A landmark climate report shows our region will get a lot hotter if the world doesn’t achieve carbon neutrality in the next few decades. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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As the fourth surge of COVID continues, optimism dwindles among small business owners. Matt Doyle has more

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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The U-S Senate has approved a one-trillion dollar infrastructure bill and it heads to the House where Republicans are already raising objections. Erik Piccoli has more…

Cut 3 (30)  “…LRN” 

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An International Panel on Climate Change report shows without achieving worldwide carbon neutrally by mid-century average temps in Louisiana’s region will rise six degrees or more. Tulane Marshal-Heape Chair of Earth and Environmental Sciences Cynthia Ebinger says that level of temperature increase would have major impacts on Louisiana’s culture and economy.

Cut 4 (08) “…as well”

Current worldwide policies have the planet on track to see temperatures rise about three and a half degrees from where they are now. Under that projection, we’ll see an average of 15 more days a year with temps over 95, and eight more days a year with temps over 104.

The report also noted with a high level of confidence that the number of extreme precipitation events will jump significantly. Ebinger says being on the Gulf puts us at ground zero…

Cut 5 (13) “…events”

Louisiana’s region is expected to see about four feet of sea-level rise by the end of the century under scenarios where carbon use is not curtailed.

Ebinger says the technology already exists to avoid the worst-case scenarios outlined, but governments need to do a better job of incentivizing its use.

Cut 6 (12) “…capture”

The report was compiled using data from 14,000 studies and approved by 195 countries.

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Despite federal unemployment enhancement benefits ending last month, nearly half of small businesses surveyed across the country say they are struggling to fill job openings. National Federation of Independent Business, State Director Dawn McVea says the lack of qualified workers has been an issue for several months

Cut 7 (11) “..year high.”

McVea says small business owners are losing confidence in the strength of the economy, which is why optimism fell among owners fell in July…

Cut 8 (08) “…unfortunate.” 

Another ongoing issue for small businesses is a disruption in the supply chain making it difficult for businesses to provide products and services in a timely manner, however…

Cut 9 (09) “…harder.”

McVea says she remains hopeful small businesses will rebound quickly once the 4^th surge passes.

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The US Senate passed a mostly bi-artisan 1 Trillion dollar infrastructure bill yet some Republicans find the spending unwise as the legislation now heads to the U-S House. Northwest Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson says the Republicans in the House are united against the bill…

Cut 10 (11) “…opposition to it” 

The bill proved divisive amongst Louisiana’s Senators with Cassidy voting to support it while John Kennedy called it an infrastructure, Green New Deal, and welfare bill. Johnson says some senators passed the bill in order to look good back home and look as if they’re doing something meaningful…

Cut 11 (12) “…amongst conservatives”

Of the 50 Republican senators, 19 voted in favor of the bill. Louisiana’s lone Democrat in Congressional delegation is excited the legislation made it out of the Senate. House Representative Troy Carter says the legislation contains opportunities to better America…

Cut 12 (12) “..our families”  

Cassidy has said the legislation contains six billion dollars for Louisiana, a figure Kennedy disputes. But Carter believes there’s enough money in this bill to make some dramatic improvements…

Cut 13 (10) “…the pumps”

No word on when the U-S House will begin debate.

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Insurance companies have crossed the 10 billion dollar mark for claims related to the 2020 Hurricane Season. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the historic season is the second-costliest in state history behind only 2005.

Cut 14 (08) “…for us.”

Three hurricanes and two tropical storms made landfall in the 2020 season.

Donelon says hundreds of thousands of homeowners were impacted, and many are still awaiting a final resolution.

Cut 15 (07)“…payment.”

68 percent of Hurricane Laura claims were closed with payment. 175,000 Hurricane Laura-related claims were filed.

Donelon says because of this, after only seeing one percent yearly rate increases for the past five years…

Cut 16 (07) “…year-end.”

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With the 2021 football season about to get underway the state of Louisiana has a lot of talented quarterbacks including St. Thomas More’s Walker Howard, who is ranked as the number one high school quarterback in the country by 24-7 sports.  Walker says his focus is on bringing his school a third straight state title.

Cut 17 (10) “…championship” 

The 2020 St. Thomas more team was dominant and had a lot of talent, including LSU signee Jack Bech.  Howard says this year’s team will need to play hard if they want to bring home the hardware once again.

Cut 18 (16)”…ready to go.”

Another quarterback that is highly recruited is Arch Manning, the son of Cooper Manning, nephew of Peyton and Eli, and grandson to Archie Manning.  Arch has the ability to run and he says it’s a necessity this day and age.

Cut 19 (15)  “…different” 

Being a Manning means teams have been all over Arch from the time he was a freshman, he says he’s enjoyed the recruiting process because he’s been to a lot of campuses he wasn’t familiar with.

Cut 20 (14)  “….the season” 

Attorney General Jeff Landry is partnering with Alabama’s AG to catalog alleged incidents of censorship by social media companies. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Additional restrictions could be coming as the state approaches three thousand COVID patients in the hospital. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Attorneys’ General offices in both Louisiana and Alabama are now offering a complaint form for people who feel they are being censored on social media. Louisiana AG Jeff Landry says Big Tech social media companies have created a virtual public square that should have 1^st Amendment protections.

Cut 3 (09) “…censorship” 

The form includes categories for de-platforming, suppression of posts, the altering or deleting of content, suspensions or banning of accounts, the attachment of editorial messages, and the obscuring of your posts.

Landry says this censorship deprives Americans of access to important information. He cited the censorship of posts about the Wuhan lab’s alleged involvement with the virus.

Cut 4 (12) “…citizens” 

There is still widespread agreement amongst experts that the virus was not man-made, but there have been recent reports suggesting it may have escaped contained from a coronavirus lab in Wuhan, China.

Landry asks that you leave as detailed a response as possible on the submission form, including pictures if available. Once enough data is compiled he may initiate litigation, but…

Cut 5 (03) “…stop”

You can fill out a survey at agjefflandry.com/survey/socialmedia

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State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says more mitigation rules may be needed if the state doesn’t slow down the spread of COVID-19. Kanter is worried about the growing number of COVID patients in the hospital statewide and how to care for them if the surge of patients doesn’t stop

Cut 6 (10) “…sustain that.”

Last week Governor John Bel Edwards brought back an indoor face mask mandate that’s in effect until at least September 1st. At this time there are no capacity restrictions on businesses like restaurants or bars. But Kanter says the daily number of new cases is shocking…

Cut 7 (09) “…time frame” 

Kanter made the comments while giving a COVID-19 update to the Board of Regents. Another 139 COVID patients have been hospitalized since Monday raising the statewide total to 2,859. Kanter says if the fourth surge of cases doesn’t peak in the next week or two it will be catastrophic for hospitals

Cut 8 (07) “…corner yet”

Not only are hospitalizations rising, but so are the deaths, the state reported 93 COVID fatalities on Tuesday, the highest single day increase since January 8th.

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As children begin to return to the classroom, State Police are reminding motorists to be mindful of school zones. LSP even released a video about what you can and cannot do driving-wise in a school zone on social media. LSP spokesperson, Trooper Johnathan Odom…

Cut 9 (07) “…or biking”

Odom says all traffic must stop no less than 30 feet from a school bus when its stop signals are in use.

Cut 10 (12) “…the bus.”

LSP also reminds motorists to allow for extra driving time if they need to drive through a school zone, so you won’t be delayed to your destination. According to state law, Odom says you also need to keep your hands off your phone and on the wheel when driving through a school zone.

Cut  11 (08) “…school zones”  

And be sure to observe speed limit signs in school zones and also be aware of children in carpool lines also.

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The U.S. Senate approved the 1.2 trillion-dollar infrastructure package today. Senator Bill Cassidy, who helped negotiate and craft the bipartisan bill says it’s a big win for the country and Bayou State.

Cut 12 (11) “…other things” 

Cassidy says the legislation is called the Infrastructure Investments Jobs Act and in addition to jobs, it will assist Louisianans with better commutes, coastal restoration and help close the digital divide.

Cut 13 (12) “…nation.”

Louisiana’s Senior Senator says broadband construction will also create jobs which will help the state’s economy in addition to areas of the state that currently lack connectivity….

Cut 14 (08) “…infrastructure.”

While Cassidy touts the legislation, fellow Republican Senator John Kennedy opposes it. The bill now heads to the House.

Louisiana hospitals are clogged with COVID patients leading to 50 facilities to formally request aid from the state. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Louisiana’s nurses haven’t had many breaks since the pandemic began in early 2020, and now many are starting to burn out. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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The Louisiana Civil Rights Trail continues to grow. Today another marker is unveiled and on the anniversary of the beginning of a historic demonstration. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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50 hospitals across the state have formally requested state help in getting additional health care workers to deal with the huge influx of patients coming in during the Delta surge.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says these hospitals have told the state that they can no longer adequately provide care for the amount of patients they are taking in.

Cut 4 (09) “..come here.”

Roughly one percent of the state’s population has been infected in the last two weeks and the number of COVID-related hospitalizations spiked faster than it ever has and now sits at a record high above 2,400.

Kanter says if you are only suffering minor symptoms or just need a COVID test, please don’t go to an emergency room.

Cut 5 (07) “…ability”

Kanter says this health care crisis is in large part due to our 38 percent vaccination rate, and our mistakes are starting to impact our neighbors…

Cut 6 (05) “…right now.”

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Staffing shortages and a 4^th major COVID surge in 17 months are taking a heavy toll on Louisiana’s health care workers, leading many to suffer poor mental health.

Louisiana State Nurses Association President Ecoee (E-coy) Rooney says under normal circumstances nursing is a rigorous, but rewarding profession. But…

Cut 7 (12) “…myself.”

Rooney says part of the burnout feedback loop is that many of the kinds of people who are drawn to the nursing profession have personalities that already make them prone to sometimes giving too much…

Cut 8 (09) “…need.” 

Rooney encourages nurses who are starting to burnout or suffer poor mental health to visit the American association of critical care nurses website for a range of useful tools an fellowship…

Cut 9 (08) “…things.”

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Some people who’ve had COVID are reluctant to be vaccinated believing their antibodies will protect them, but Ochsner Health Director of Infection Control and Prevention Dr. Katherine Baumgarten says their antibodies might not be enough for the growing variants.

Cut 10 (12) “…of COVID.”

Researchers say while previous infections generally do leave survivors protected against serious reinfection, blood tests have indicated that protection drops against worrisome variants like Delta and Lambda. Ochsner CEO Warner Thomas says he’s even had the discussion with previously infected employees.

Cut 11 (07) “…vaccinated.”

A recent Gallup survey indicated a previous infection is one of the main reasons COVID survivors won’t get vaccinated believing they are protected. Thomas says a CDC study offers real-world evidence disputing the belief that previous infection offers ideal protection.

Cut 12 (10) “…difficult.” 

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Another marker will be unveiled along the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail today. The newest marker commemorates the 54^th anniversary of the beginning of Bogalusa to Baton Rouge Civil Rights March.  Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the 105-mile demonstration grew from 25 to 600 people before its final stop.

Cut 13 (11) “…capitol.”

A.Z. Young Park is named for the man who presented a list of grievances to then-Governor John McKeithen, regarding things like employment discrimination.  Nungesser says members of the Young family will attend today’s ceremony and the marker at A.Z. Young Park is the fourth of 15 to be unveiled along the trail.

Cut 14 (12) “…their states.”

The trail also features an interactive website at Louisiana Civil Rights Trail -dot-com. Nungesser says not only is the trail meant to draw tourists to the state…..

Cut 15 (08)“…country.”

______________________________

LSU Quarterback Max Johnson says he’s not changing his mindset just because he’s been named the starter due to an arm injury to Myles Brennan. Coach Ed Orgeron is disappointed Brennan is unable to compete and Johnson says he was looking forward to the competition too…

Cut 16 (14) “…throughout the season.”

Orgeron says he wants LSU’s offense to similar to the record breaking one they had in 2019. Johnson says offensive coordinator Jake Peetz will call some plays to match Johnson’s athleticism

Cut 17 (17) “…bit different” 

LSU’s defensive line should be a strength, because several starters are back and there’s a lot of depth. After recording 5.5 sacks last season, defensive end Andre Anthony is entering his fourth season and says the D-Line has grown as a group…

Cut  18 (20)”…your brother”

_______________________________________________________

COVID is still an issue as college football teams open preseason camp. Louisiana Tech Coach Skip Holtz says after dealing with several COVID outbreaks last season, he’s hoping for a more normal season this year

Cut 19 (19)  “…Mississippi State” 

La Tech has a big battle for starting quarterback. Austin Kendall has transferred in from West Virginia, sophomore Aaron Allen made two starts at quarterback last season. JD Head saw a lot of playing time against Georgia Southern and Luke Anthony continues to recover from a bad leg injury. Holtz says it’s too early to draw any strong conclusions…

Cut 20 (23)  “….as well” 

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” 

____________________________________

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.”  

________________________________________________

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.”

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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.” 

____________________________________

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.

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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.”

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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.” 

____________________________________

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.

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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” 

____________________________________

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.”

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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” 

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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.” 

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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.

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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.

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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.” 

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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.” 

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 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.

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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.”

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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.

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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”