Lawmakers anticipated when they passed sports betting legislation in the spring it would be online in time for the football season. But it’s not a quick process. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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315 million dollars in federal American Rescue Plan aid will be distributed to 290 small and midsized Louisiana communities. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Legal sports betting in Louisiana might not happen before the start of the football season. Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty says the Gaming Control Board must finalize the rules and issue licenses and they do not have a chairman at the moment.

Cut 3 (12)  “…regulatory side.”

The Gaming Control Board is not expected to meet again until July 15^th, but Duty says the Governor’s office has indicated they wish to name a new chairman sooner than later. In spite of that Duty says there are other factors that must be completed before sports wagering is online.

Cut 4 (12) “…kinds of things”

Duty says while a fall timeline is still likely for sports betting, realistically it won’t be until after the football season begins.

Cut 5  (08) “…online. ” 

Lake Charles Republican Senator Ronnie Johns is said to be one of the contenders for the post.

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290 small and midsized Louisiana municipalities have been awarded over 315 million dollars in American Rescue Plan COVID economic relief funds.

Louisiana Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says there are few strings attached to these federal dollars.

Cut 6 (12) “…revenue loss”

Major cities and municipalities like New Orleans, Shreveport, St. Tammany Parish, and other larger communities are not included in this relief because they already received funds directly from the feds.

The funds are being allocated based on population. Dardenne says for example the city of Baker is receiving five million dollars while the Village of Noble will receive 1.6 million dollars.

Cut 7 (10) “…didn’t happen.”

Dardenne says this is an unprecedented amount of money coming from the federal government to localities in response to the pandemic.

Cut 8 (10) “…wisely.”

About half of the funds will be delivered this month and the other half will be delivered next June.

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KIK Consumer Products and Governor Edwards announced today a $170-million investment in a chlorine manufacturing plant in Calcasieu Parish. The dedication of the new Westlake facility is on the site of the previous plant that was destroyed 10 months ago when it caught on fire during Hurricane Laura. KIK COO, Jeff Schmitt….

Cut 9 (10) “…with us.”

Schmitt says construction of the BioLab facility which will manufacture chlorine-based sanitizer wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of their employees.

Cut 10 (12) “…were before.”

Edwards says the project will create 82 direct jobs and retain 19 existing jobs…

Cut  11 (12) “….stronger” 

The original plant was constructed in 1979 and the new facility is expected to be completed in 2022. The project will create 82 direct jobs

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The state health department says in the week after registration began for the two-point-three million dollar lottery incentive, COVID-19 vaccinations rose by 14-percent. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says it’s too early to say if the lottery is the reason for the modest bump, but admits every new vaccination is harder to get

Cut 12 (09) “…another”

Kanter says about 35-percent of the state is fully vaccinated and 38-percent have initiated the series. Those are some of the lowest percentages in the country…

Cut 13 (10) “…flat”

Kanter says there’s a push to increase the vaccination rate as the Delta variant continues to spread quickly. It is more contagious than other strains and it’s affecting mostly people who are unvaccinated. Kanter says word of mouth is the other way they can boost vaccination rates

Cut 14 (10) “…you trust” 

The number of new Delta variant cases in Louisiana continues to grow, concerning state health officials it could lead to another spike in cases. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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A Plaquemine man picked the wrong person to pull over while he was allegedly impersonating a police officer in Assumption Parish, the man he over was an off-duty deputy. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The St. Tammany Parish Council will hold a special meeting tonight and vote on whether to allow a referendum to go on the November ballot to approve a proposed casino for the area.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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An estimated 25 percent of the current COVID cases in Louisiana are believed to be the more dangerous Delta variant strain that first emerged in India. That’s according to State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter who says the number of new Delta cases is doubling every two to three weeks meaning we could face a new spike in overall COVID cases.

Cut 4 (07) “…sick.”

The 25 percent share of Delta cases in Louisiana is above the national average of about 20 percent.

Kanter says the good news is that those who are fully vaccinated with either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine have about 90 percent protection from the new, more deadly strain.

Cut 5  (06) “…variant.”

Louisiana is still seeing about five to ten COVID deaths per day.

And Kanter also warns that now more than ever those who started a vaccine series need to finish it due to the Delta variant’s higher transmissibility.

Cut 6 (09) “…(x2) coverage.”

19 Delta variant cases have been officially recognized in Louisiana but Kanter warns the number is much higher due to the lack of variant testing available.

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The gig is up for a Plaquemine man who was arrested for impersonating a police officer after he allegedly pulled over an off-duty parish deputy. Assumption Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Lonny Cavalier says 27-year-old Vincent Vinny Marks got in trouble when he flashed his flights and pulled over the off-duty deputy….

Cut 7 (09) “…incident.”

Cavalier says Marks is no stranger to law enforcement, he was involved in an incident earlier this year and the same deputy answered the call.

Cut 8 (10) “…recognized.”

Marks was booked Monday night in the Assumption Parish Detention Center on a felony count of impersonating a peace officer. Cavalier says they believe this isn’t the first time Marks has done this.

Cut 9 (06) “…complaint.”

Marks posted a commercial bond in the amount of $10,000.

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At tonight’s St. Tammany Parish Council Meeting, members will vote on whether to grant a parish-wide vote to be put on the November ballot to allow a casino to relocate to the parish. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt sponsored legislation for a public vote and now the parish council will decide its next fate.

Cut 10 (09) “…to vote.”

St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith, alongside Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal, oppose the casino and say an increase in criminal activity typically accompanies such venues and developers have not shown them any research that says otherwise. Smith quoted FBI data on the types of crimes associated with gambling.

Cut 11 (10) “..suicides increase.”

Smith says St. Tammany Parish already has one of the highest suicide rates in the state.

Senator Hewitt says some see the casino as a great economic development opportunity for the parish.

Cut 12 (07) “…vote on it.” 

Peninsula Pacific Entertainment has already stated they will make a $325-million investment in the new casino in hopes of luring gamblers that usually visit Mississippi’s casinos to stay in the state. P2E has guaranteed to hire 50-percent of their employees from the parish.

Smith says they work with federal and state law enforcement on combatting human trafficking which he says is already an issue on the I-10/12 corridor that runs through Slidell.

Cut 13 (08) “…don’t need.”

The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 tonight to decide if the casino referendum will be put on the Nov. 13th ballot. Voters in the parish will have to undo a 1996 vote that currently blocks casinos.

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America’s Health Rankings 2021 Health Disparities Report finds before just COVID Louisiana was making some progress in longstanding problem areas but began facing new health issues.

Black infant mortality declined 22 percent between periods measured between 2003 to 2006 and 2015 to 2018. UnitedHealth Group CMO Dr. Ana Fuentevilla (fwent-uh-vee-uh)…

Cut 14 (06) “…Louisiana.”

The report also noted there was a 28 percent decline in the share of the white population that had less than a high school degree and a 30 percent decrease in the number of Black adults who couldn’t get medical care because of the cost.

But Fuentevilla the bad news is that compared to men there was a 40 percent increase in the number of women who suffer from multiple chronic conditions.

Cut 15 (10)“…or depression.”

There was also a 33 percent increase in depression among Louisiana adults who reported only having a high school diploma. Fuentevilla says this has likely gotten even worse over the last year and a half.

Cut 16 (04) “…COVID.” 

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One of the first priorities for new LSU Head Baseball Coach Jay Johnson is to hire a staff, including a pitching and hitting coach.  Johnson says he will not rush to hire someone because he wants to make sure he finds the right fit.

Cut 17 (20) …narrow search.” 

Kendall Rogers of D-1-Baseball-dot-com reports Texas Tech recruiting coordinator and assistant coach J-Bob Thomas is staying in Lubbock. He’s refused Johnson’s offer to take on the same duties with the Tigers.

Johnson also needs to meet with the players and try to find guys to fill out the holes in the roster.  The new coach on the type of team he wants to field…

Cut  18 (17)”..than LSU.”

A passenger who became ill and fell during an overseas flight receives medical care from a pair of LSU Health New Orleans medical students. Brooke Thorington has more…

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

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The Legislature’s Conservative Caucus wants lawmakers to return to Baton Rouge in July and overturn Governor Edwards’ veto of a Constitutional Carry bill. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Two LSU Health New Orleans medical students are receiving praise for quickly providing aid to a passenger on an overseas flight. Associate Dean for Student Affairs Dr. Cathy Lazarus says the school is extremely proud of the first-year students, Heather Duplessis and Lauren Bagneris.

Cut 3 (11)  “…the patient.”

The two were on an overseas flight to Greece when a female passenger became lightheaded and fell on the flight due to low blood sugar and being overheated.

Duplessis and Bagneris were able to stabilize the passenger and communicate with a physician on the ground. Lazarus says they are a fine example of the quality of students they have at the school.

Cut 4 (08) “…number of ways.”

The two calmed the passenger and she reportedly felt much better due to the skills and training of the students. Lazarus says Duplessis and Bagneris also just happened to be wearing LSU Health New Orleans sweatshirts on the plane.

Cut 5  (05) “…sweatshirts” 

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Ouachita Parish Sheriffs arrest a man right outside of the Ouachita Parish Correctional Center who allegedly told deputies he was there to free his family on god’s orders.

Ouachita Sheriffs’ spokesperson Glenn Springfield says 35-year-old Bobby Koch admitted to having used methamphetamine before driving up to the OCC gate and speaking to a gate guard…

Cut 6 (09) “…family out”

Springfield says Koch was then handcuffed…

Cut 7 (10) “…methamphetamine.”

Koch was then charged with one count of possession and escorted inside the facility. Springfield says it’s a sad situation…

Cut 8 (10) “…complied.”

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The Louisiana Conservative Caucus is calling for lawmakers to vote in favor of heading into a veto override session to overturn the Governor’s rejection of Constitutional Carry legislation.

Caucus head, Representative Jack McFarland, says the governor’s veto was a direct hit against Louisianans’ 2^nd Amendment rights.

Cut 9 (11) “…firearm”

Under the bill by West Monroe Senator Jay Morris anyone 21 and older could carry a concealed firearm without needing a permit or training. This would not apply to those who are already banned from possessing firearms, such as felons.

A majority of lawmakers in both chambers of the Legislature would need to agree to an override session for one to be held. Reportedly there is already enough support in the House, and in the Senate…

Cut 10 (13) “…with.”

The bill cleared the House and Senate with over two-thirds support. Should those votes hold in a potential veto-override session the veto would be overridden.

McFarland says there’s also interest in holding the veto session to override the Governor’s rejection of legislation banning transgender athletes from girls’ K-12 and college sports teams.

Cut  11 (10) “…right.” 

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A new era of LSU baseball begins today as Jay Johnson is introduced as the new head coach of the Tigers. Johnson succeeds the now-retired Paul Mainieri, who gave Johnson a tour of his new surroundings at Alex Box Stadium. Mainieri says he wants the new coach to succeed

Cut 12 (12) “…tremendous coach”

Mainieri admits it’s weird not to have an office at Alex Box Stadium after 15 seasons at LSU. But Mainieri believes Athletics Director Scott Woodward made a good decision in hiring Johnson…

Cut 13 (08) “…watching it”

Mainieri gave Johnson some advice on how to handle one of the most passionate fan bases in America

Cut 14 (12) “…here” 

Johnson has signed a five-year contract and he’ll make one-point-two million dollars in his first season.

Starting July 1^st Louisiana student-athletes will be able to receive compensation for the use of their name, image, and likeness. Jeff Palermo spoke with UL System President Jim Henderson about the new policy…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Governor Edwards vetoes a second high-profile bill from the 2021 legislative session, legislation allowing 21 and older to conceal carry. Brooke Thorington has more on what this means for the possibility of a veto session

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Law enforcement arrests one of their own for multiple sexual abuse charges including rape and indecent behavior with children in Ascension, East Baton Rouge and Orleans parishes. State Police Seargent Scott Moreau says an extensive investigation led to the arrested of 51-year old David Harris of Prairieville

Cut 3 (08)  “…field office”

Moreau says in February the US Department of Justice and State Police received a complaint of alleged sexual wrongdoings by Harris that involved multiple victims in several parishes.

Cut 4 (10) “…as 2016.”

Moreau says Harris was booked in Ascension Parish for Aggravated Crimes Against Nature, and Indecent Behavior with Children under the age of 13. Moreau says upon release Harris faces more charges.

Cut 5  (13) “…intimidation” 

LSP encourages potential victims to use the state police online anonymous reporting form.

___________________________

Effective July 1^st Louisiana student-athletes will be able to profit from the use of their name image and likeness without it impacting their status.

UL System President Jim Henderson says the change is long overdue and he’s thankful that the Legislature OK’d the new policy.

Cut 6 (09) “…way.”

Under UL System N.I.L. policy student-athletes must complete a five-hour yearly training course on the procedure for obtaining benefits such as sponsorships. One of those requirements is that the student-athlete must consult with the school before using the school’s branding in any advertisements or endorsements.

Henderson says had this new law been in place before. athletes like former Grambling star Shakyla Hill could have profited from becoming the first college basketball player to record two career quadruple-doubles…

Cut 7 (11) “…ways.”

Henderson says it will likely take some time before student-athlete endorsements become normalized, especially with no national policy in place.

Cut 8 (10) “…policy.”

Under the policy, compensation is not allowed to be provided in exchange for athletic performances or attendance at a specific college. Also, the school itself is not allowed to provide compensation outside of the usual scholarship.

LSU adopted its own set of N.I.L. policies that go into effect July 1st.

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LSU has officially hired former Arizona coach Jay Johnson to be the school’s next baseball coach.  Johnson led the Wildcats to a pair of college world series appearances in his six years at the school.  Editor of the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Lou Pavlovich believes the Tigers made a great hire.

Cut 9 (12) “…dignity.”

Under Johnson’s watch, Arizona led the country in runs scored this past season and Pavlovich expects Johnson’s teams will put up a lot of runs in Baton Rouge.

Cut 10 (11) “…expectations.”

While Pavlovich thinks LSU would put plenty of points on the board, he thinks Johnson’s biggest challenge will be dealing with Tiger fans’ lofty expectations.

Cut  11 (12) “…regularly.” 

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Governor Edwards vetoed a bill today that would allow a person 21-and-older to carry a concealed firearm without a permit or training. The action comes on the heels of a controversial veto that would ban transgender women from competing in female sports. LA Politics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford believes the veto issued today increases the possibility of a veto session next month.

Cut 12 (08) “…the same.”

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says with the anti-transgender bill receiving bipartisan support and the permitless constitutional carry legislation passing by a large margin, the governor is rolling the political dice.

Cut 13 (04) “…veto session.”

Both chambers must agree to convene for a veto session, which would be held from July 20th to the 24th. Alford says the House appears to be in favor of a veto session with the House Speaker publicly lobbying for one, while Senate President Page Cortez has not expressed his desire. He says if the Governor vetoes another bill, we might have the state’s first veto session…

Cut 14 (10) “…veto session.” 

Lawmakers will receive ballots in the mail during the first week of July to vote on holding a veto session.

The newly approved drug Aduhelm (Add-u-helm) to treat Alzheimer’s has stirred interest in the state but it comes with a hefty price tag. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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Under a bill signed by Governor Edwards those who have a criminal history but were never convicted of a crime can’t be discriminated against by employers. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Catholic High School in Baton Rouge has vacated its 2017 and 2020 state football championships after the LHSAA determined they violated rules that occurred in 2017 as a result of an investigation that began in March. WBRZ-TV sports reporter Matt Trent says he’s learned that inappropriate contact occurred with athletes.

Cut 3 (14) “…open house.”

While this punishment stems from numerous recruiting violations, Trent says that more violations could have occurred.

Cut 4 (12) “…and play.”

Gabe Fertitta was the head coach of the Bears during their run to four straight championship games in 2017 and 2020. He resigned from Catholic in February and joined the University of Louisville coaching staff. Trent says Fertitta told him he did not know about these allegations…

Cut 5  (09) “…otherwise” 

The LHSAA or Catholic High has not provided details on the violations that occurred.

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Two weeks ago, the FDA approved the first drug to treat Alzheimer’s in more than 15 years, despite an independent committee not endorsing Aduhelm (Add-u-helm). Chair of Neurology at Tulane School of Medicine Dr. Demetrius Maraganore (Mare-ah-gah-nor-ay) says this is the first drug to reduce amyloids in the brain which are prevalent among patients.

Cut 6 (11) “…reverse Alzheimer’s.”

He says this drug will put the reducing amyloid theory to the test.

But with a hefty price tag of $56,000 annually per patient Maraganore says no physician with a good conscience is going to recommend a medication with uncertain benefits that are not cost-effective.

Cut 7 (11) “…treatment.”

Maraganore says however patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s could still possibly benefit from the medication and he’s recommending that his patients look at participating in a study.

Cut 8 (11) “…this point.”

It’s estimated that 92,000 residents over the age of 65 suffer from Alzheimer’s in Louisiana.

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Governor Edwards signs legislation that should help prevent employment discrimination against those who were charged but never convicted of a crime.

New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says under his bill a business cannot request a background check for an applicant if it did not lead to a conviction.

Cut 9 (09) “…ignore that”

Willard says his legislation also attempts to help out convicted felons who are out of jail and seeking a job.

Cut 10 (09) “…writing”

The bill also calls for businesses to consider the nature of a convicted felon’s offense and how long it has been since the offense was committed.

Willard says his legislation started as an attempt to outright ban private-sector employers from asking if an applicant has a felony record. While that was a bridge too far this year for the business community…

Cut  11 (11) “…in mind” 

Currently, state agencies have “banned the box” and do not require applicants to note whether they are a convicted felon.

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The CDC reports a higher-than-expected number of cases of myocarditis in people who received their second dose of mRNA covid vaccines. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease professor Dr. John Vanchire says cases have been the highest amongst men under the age of 18 and the heart inflammation symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pains

Cut 12 (11) “…have recovered”

The vaccines that fall under this category include Pfizer and Moderna. Dr. Vanchire says that while myocarditis can be fatal, the inflammation is treatable and shouldn’t scare patients from getting vaccinated…

Cut 13 (11) “…vaccination”

Contracting myocarditis is more likely after getting the vaccine but is still a rare event with 20 to 30 cases out of a million. Dr. Vanchire says the risks involved with getting covid versus getting myocarditis isn’t comparable…

Cut 14 (10) “…are safe ” 

The 2021 KIDS COUNT is out, and Louisiana ranks towards the bottom in its four main categories. Brooke Thorington has more from the President of the Annie E Casey Foundation.

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

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A bit over a million dollars in state and federal unemployment benefits were paid out to 374 dead Louisianans since March of 2020 according to a Legislative Auditor’s report. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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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.”

Louisiana ranked 48^th in Health and Education and 49^th in Family and Community.

Hamilton says meeting the economic needs of children has a direct effect on their education, health along with family, and community. She says the American Rescue Act allows families to receive an extra $300 a month through the child tax credit and it will hopefully break the cycle of poverty.

Cut 4 (09) “…as adults.”

The tax credit will reportedly lift 400-million children above the poverty line.

KIDS COUNT tracks a total of 16 indicators among the four main topics and Hamilton says it isn’t all bad news for children in the state.

Cut 5  (08) “…the course.” 

She says the state needs to continually make investments in education and healthcare for children. Hamilton says the state improved in health coverage and only 4-percent lack health insurance, which’s above the national average of six percent.

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The Louisiana Legislative Auditor finds just over a million dollars in unemployment benefits were paid out to 374 dead folks 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.”

The one million only amounts to point-zero-one-three percent of the 8.5 billion in state and federal benefits paid out since March of 2020.

Magee says nothing could have been done to stop about half of that money from being paid out but 123,000 dollars could have been prevented if LWC were to start processing death data weekly.

Cut 7 (08) “…quickly.”

The report notes 337,000 dollars should have been prevented under the current system but managed to slip through.

Workforce Commissioner Secretary Ava Cates says all things considered the department did a good job on this issue relative to the historic demand for UI.

Cut 8 (11) “… ratio”

Cates says LWC will review implementing weekly processing of Social Security death data.

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Monroe Police continue to investigate Friday night’s fatal shooting of former Richwood High starting quarterback Michael Sherman. Detectives say Sherman was gunned down after an argument involving two females. Richwood High Football Coach Marcus Yanez says Sherman was a great person to be around

Cut 9 (11) “…the state”

Sherman graduated in May and no arrests have been made.

After learning of Sherman’s death, Yanez held a team meeting, with players, coaches, students, and the community. But he says less than an hour after that meeting two more of his former players were shot in a drive-by shooting…

Cut 10 (10) “…doing ok”

So three teenagers were shot in Monroe and no arrests have been made. Yanez is joining other community leaders in calling for the violence to stop…

Cut  11 (11) “…of my kids” 

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A side-by-side crash in Webster Parish claims the life of an 11-year-old boy and injuries to the 14-year-old girl who was driving the vehicle. State Trooper Jonathan Odom says the 14-year-old was driving the 2011 Polaris UTV northbound on Grant Circle when the tragic crash occurred.

Cut 12 (10) “…vehicle”

The 11-year-old has been identified as Morris Naron of Plain Dealing. The 14-year-old was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for minor injuries.

Neither of the two children had seatbelts on.

Cut 13 (07) “…seatbelts”

Operating an off-road vehicle on public roadways is illegal. It is not currently known whether the 14-year-old will face charges as a result of the crash.

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Several hundred homeowners in the eastern half of Slidell are cleaning up after Tropical Storm Claudette dumped over ten inches of rain in a short amount of time, producing street flooding that got into people’s homes. Mayor Greg Cromer…

Cut 14 (12) “…of feet ” 

Cromer says between 40 and 50 high water vehicle rescues took place Friday night, including a pregnant woman…

Cut 15 (11) “…the hospital” 

Cromer says residents who sustained flood damage should report it at damage-dot-la-dot-gov.

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Starting at 12 PM today 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. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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 State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the growing pile of studies showing the long-term complications from COVID infections further reinforces the importance of getting vaccinated. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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LSU Health New Orleans researchers have found recreating a compound found in the body to protect the brain can also help defend the lungs against COVID. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Registration for “Shot at a Million”, Louisiana’s vaccine incentive lottery, begins today 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 a toll-free number.

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. Four 100,000 dollar prizes will be awarded to adults 18 and older, nine 100,000 dollar scholarships will be handed out to those 12-17 who register, and one million dollar grand prize will be awarded to a Louisianan 18 and older. 2.4 million in total prizes will be awarded.

The state already offered Shot for a Shot, a program giving free drinks to those who’ve been vaccinated. Edwards says this next step came after careful deliberation.

Cut 5  (09) “…they’ve had.”

Edwards says even though they’re using the term lottery, there’s really nothing to lose.

Cut 6 (08) “…COVID-19”.

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The CDC has formally acknowledged the growing problem of patients who are suffering symptoms long after a COVID infection, calling the diagnosis “Post COVID Conditions”.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe 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 7 (12) “…these.”

The symptoms are considered to qualify if you get them for up to a month or longer after you are thought to have “recovered” from COVID.

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.

Cut 8 (09) “…symtoms.”

Kanter says these findings have further reinforced just how important it is to get vaccinated.

Cut 9 (12) “…altering.”

__________________

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 (rhymes with Tarzan) experimented with compound and its effect on the lung.

Cut 10 (12) “…they do.”

Bazan who works with neurological disorders like Parkinson’s, says the brain releases a chemical to protect itself when injured so he worked to recreate the compound and see if it could defend the lungs, which the most affected by COVID.

Cut 11 (11)”….the lung.”

In testing the protective chemical, Bazan says it can be used as therapeutic treatment and prevention of the virus. He says the lungs produce a similar protective compound already but not enough needed to combat COVID.

Cut 12 (11) “…of approach.”

The therapy still has to undergo clinical research.

__________________

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 approved 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, Erin McCarty of KEEL Radio, in Shreveport that he would grab a tiki torch and go to the Capitol if rates did not go down as a result of legislation that changed the way civil courts handle car crash cases

Cut 14 (06) “…regular people.”

Holl says the tort reform bill approved last year only helps insurance companies make more money. He would like to see Waguespack follow up on the promise he made a year ago

Cut 15 (11)“…legislature”

Waguespack told the Advocate newspaper that staged wrecks are milking insurance companies and he wonders how many Real Reform Louisiana funders are involved in those schemes.

Soon to be tropical storm Claudette has her eye set on a trip to southeast Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more on what the area should expect.

Cut 1 (27) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Hunting and fishing licenses are set to go up in cost starting in July 2022 for both commercial and recreational sportsmen. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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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 rain bands are already impacting southeast Louisiana…

Cut 3 (08) “…the area.”

A tropical storm warning is in effect East of Morgan City to the Okaloosa/Walton County line in Florida.

Schott says rainfall will extend west as far as Baton Rouge with the capital region seeing one to two inches of rain over the next day, but areas east of I-55 could see over a half-foot of rain…

Cut 4 (10) “…parish there.”

Schott says basically everything east of I-55 from the coast up to the Mississippi state line is expected to be affected and if you live in that area you need to pay attention.

Cut 5  (12) “…Sunday” 

Rainfall amounts are the biggest threat with the storm however Schott says don’t discount tropical storm winds of 30 to 40 miles per hour and securing outside items should also be on your immediate to-do list.

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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 a small amount of marijuana.

Under the legislation, those found to have 14 grams or less of pot 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) “…marijauna.”

Edwards says getting caught with 14 grams or less of marijuana will still cause you a real headache.

Cut 7 (06) “…citation.”

A bill to legalize recreational marijuana did not make it to the governor’s desk this year. But Governor Edwards expects that will happen before his term ends in 2023

Cut 8 (11) “…before us”

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The forecast track of a 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”

As the system moves towards the shore it is projected to take a more easterly track which Steele says is good news for Louisiana.

Cut 10 (11) “…problem area”

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With a tropical storm warning in effect, St. Tammany Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Clarence Powe says they’ve opened up sandbagging stations and they closed a few bridges in anticipation of possible flooding. Powe encourages residents to make storm plans and check around their homes.

Cut  11 (09) “…do it early.” 

St. Bernard Parish Emergency Preparedness Director John Rahaim says some of their highways tend to flood if they receive a lot of rain in a short period of time and it’s hard for the pumps to catch up. Rahaim says they have been proactive.

Cut 12 (12) “…amount of time.”

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Governor Edwards signs legislation increasing the cost of annual recreational and commercial hunting and fishing licenses starting next July.

Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala says he had to bring this legislation because the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries was running out of money and we hadn’t raised fees in decades.

Cut 13 (09) “…user pay”

The fee increases are expected to generate about 17 million dollars a year in the next fiscal year, rising to 19 million a year in future years.

The proposal was opposed by commercial fishermen who say they’ve already taken a beating from the pandemic, but Bacala says their fee increase will be phased in through 2024, and is not steep.

Cut 14 (09) “…dollar ” 

LDWF officials say two-thirds of recreational sportsmen will only see their yearly costs go up about ten dollars, and Bacala says with that increase in cost will come more consolidated licenses.

Cut 15 (07) “…package” 

The yearly fishing fee will increase to 17 dollars from the current 9.50 and the cost of a license will go up to 20 bucks from the current 15.

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.” 

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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.”  

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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.”

Calhoun 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.”

No flood watches are posted yet, but there’s a strong likelihood for heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday. Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is advising residents to get flood insurance for what should be an active hurricane season, he says only 25-percent of the property owners in Louisiana have it…

Cut 5  (12) “….by far.” 

Donelon says if you do not have flood insurance and your home is flooded 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.”

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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 situation had been building behind the scenes after a tough year where the Pels missed the playoffs. Madison says it’s probably for the best…

Cut 7 (12) “…be in.”

Madison says the new coaching search will not be open-ended and there are already a few frontrunners in contention, including a potentially historic hire.

Cut 8 (12) “…Vanterpool.” 

Weatherspoon, a Naismith Hall of Famer and former La. Tech coach, is currently a Pelicans assistant coach. If hired she would be the first woman head coach in a major American sport.

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.”

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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 Capital region and pediatrician Dr. Dawn Marcelle says it usually affects infants and toddlers under two years of age.

Cut 10 (10) “…infection.”

The CDC says the spreading of the virus usually dwindles in warmer months of the year and they saw a decrease during the height of the COVID pandemic as more people used mitigation measures, however, RSV cases are on the uptick again.

Marcelle says the virus 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” 

Frequent handwashing along with masks will help prevent the spread and people should be especially cautious around young children who have compromised immune systems. Marcelle says children aren’t the only ones at risk.

Cut 12 (07) “…group settings”

The CDC is calling for broader testing of RSV, especially when patients test negative for COVID.

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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.”

In the ruling Doughty stated he could not find any rationale for the moratorium. Landry says he could not agree more and it’s disappointing that they have to go to court to protect jobs.

Cut 14 (09) “…vital role.” 

President Biden issued the moratorium in an effort to reduce carbon emissions in the U-S. Landry says Biden subscribes to the Green New Deal.

Cut 15 (12) “…American economy.” 

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

Governor Edwards is expected to veto a bill to conceal carry a handgun without a permit and the bill to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports. Brooke Thorington explains once a session has ended overriding a veto isn’t easy.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana Community and Technical College System President Monty Sullivan is celebrating the legislative passage of what he calls “TOPS for grown folks”. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh wants House leadership and law enforcement to take action against Bogalousa Representative Malinda White for allegedly grabbing and threatening him with gun violence on the House floor. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (44)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The LSU baseball season is over and so is the hall of fame coaching career of Paul Mainieri. Tennessee hit six home runs in a 15-6 rout of the Tigers to complete a sweep of the Super Regional Series. Mainieri was visibly emotional in the ninth inning. The 63-year-old says he was thinking about his late father and his nearly four decades as a coach…

Cut 4 (14) “…for more.”

LSU’s season ends with a 38-25 record and the Tigers fall short of reaching the College World Series. Mainieri says his team battled all year long…

Cut 5  (12) “…my last team”

Tennessee won the super regional series two games to nothing. They won the first game four to two and then rode that momentum to an easy victory in game two. Mainieri says it was a tough way to end an up and down season…

Cut 6 (10) “…call it a career.”

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Governor Edwards is expected to soon sign legislation that would provide grants to low and middle-income workers 21 and older who want to go to a community or technical college.

Louisiana Community and Technical College System President Monty Sullivan calls the grants “TOPS for grown folks” who want to go into one of five high-demand, high pay fields…

Cut 7 (10) “…hiring.”

Only those making 300 percent or less over the federal poverty line, or about 38,000 dollars a year, are eligible.

Individuals who meet the income, age, and career field requirements can be awarded up to 3,200 dollars a year and 6,400 dollars total.

Cut 8 (11) “…the like.”

Recipients can use the grants on a range of programs from full two-year nursing degrees to multi-week industrial certification programs.

The grants will cost the state 10.5 million dollars a year and Sullivan expects they’ll spend every dollar of it, and hopefully be able to expand the program in the future.

Cut 9 (12) “…opportunity.”

Once signed into law the grants will begin in the summer of 2022.

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Governor Edwards is expected to veto two high-profile bills from the 2021 legislative session that made their way to his desk. One bill bans transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports, the other the right to conceal carry without a license. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says overriding a veto isn’t simple.

Cut 10 (11) “…override it.”

Pinsonat says to override a veto after a legislative session, the majority of both houses must agree to reconvene and return to the capital city and hold a veto session.  He says it is an extremely rare occurrence and traditionally the upper chamber votes against it.

Cut 11 (11) “…of a bill.”

The question remains will the Republicans want the two bills passed enough to return to the capitol and hold a veto session. Pinsonat believes Edwards already has an idea of how a veto will be received if he does indeed refute the legislation.

Cut 12 (09) “…do this.”

If both chambers do agree to return for a veto session it will take a two-thirds majority vote of both houses to override a veto.

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Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh says he’s filed a police report against Bogalousa Representative Malinda White for allegedly threatening gun violence against him on the House floor.

The incident occurred after a heated argument over White’s domestic violence-related bill that was opposed by Seabaugh. Seabaugh says they were arguing about an amendment when…

Cut 13 (12) “…finish this”

White says as a domestic abuse survivor she was triggered by Seabaugh telling her she didn’t understand the legislation she wrote. Seabaugh says the argument was over a technical difference in the bill’s wording. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder confirmed State Police is investigating the incident.

Seabaugh says White was “way too emotionally involved with the bill” and is “irrational about the issue”. He also says other unnamed individuals accused White of similar behavior earlier in the session.

Cut 14 (13) “…hallway.”

White apologized for her actions on the House floor Thursday after withdrawing the legislation at the heart of the conflict but has not made further comments about it. The bill was opposed by both the conservative Christian advocacy group Louisiana Family Forum and the NRA.

Seabaugh says White is guilty of simple battery or assault and wants law enforcement and House leadership to take action against White. He says if he had done the same thing, he’d be tossed out.

Cut 15 (09)“…man”

The Advocate reports prominent House Democratic Representative Ted James of Baton Rouge will represent White if she is charged.