Anti-mask parents went before the House Health and Welfare Committee to express their concerns over mask mandates in schools. Brandi Pew of Unmask Our Kids in Louisiana told lawmakers the data presented by state health officials are based on lies.
Cut 13 (11) “…with our kids.”
The Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is in support of universal masking in schools.

The average food stamp recipient in Louisiana will receive an additional 36-dollars a month starting October 1st. It’s the largest increase in the history of the program. The change was made on the federal level and Louisiana DCFS Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard says 36 dollars might not sound like much but it can make a world of difference for those living in poverty.
Cut 5 (06) “…family”

Lafayette Parish Assistant District Attorney Chris Richard faces numerous charges after allegedly leaving the scene of an August eighth boating crash on the False River that injured three juveniles. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck…

cut 7 (11) “…at this point”
One of the juveniles injured suffered a broken pelvis.

The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance has a new grant program to help individuals who are 30 hours or less from completing a degree in a high-demand field such as health care and STEM occupations. LOSFA Director of Scholarships and Grants Deborah Paul says the state needs more nurses, computer programmers, and math teachers…
cut 11 (10) “…qualify”
For more information on the completers grant go to LOFSA’s website.

Several parents went before the House Health and Welfare Committee to express their opposition to face coverings in the classroom for their children. Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox asked one mother if it’s worth putting her child or another child’s life in danger by removing face masks in schools…
cut 14 (11) “…alright alright”
BESE is expected to discuss this issue at its full board meeting tomorrow.

STEM and healthcare students who are close to receiving a degree may be eligible to receive a Completers Grant from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance. LOSFA Director of Scholarships and Grants Deborah (Deb-or-uh) Paul says if you’re in one of those programs and have 30 or fewer hours left in your degree, you could get some extra financial help.
Cut 10 (11) “…graduation.”
To be eligible you must complete a FAFSA application.

An assistant DA in Lafayette Parish finds himself on the other side of the law after being arrested a week later for leaving the scene of a False River boating incident that injured three juveniles
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Food stamp benefits are set to go up about 36 dollars a month on average. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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An assistant DA in Lafayette Parish finds himself on the other side of the law after being arrested a week later for leaving the scene of a False River boating incident that injured three juveniles

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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House Health and Welfare heard pleas from both sides over face masks in Louisiana schools Monday. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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Starting October 1^st SNAP recipients will see a roughly 36 dollar average increase to their monthly benefits.

DCFS Assistant Secretary of Family Support Shavana Howard says this means an extra 435 million dollars in benefits will be headed to Louisiana.

Cut 4 (04) “…deal.”

According to the Associated Press food stamp benefits have gone up 25 percent since the pandemic’s start.

36 dollars might not sound like much to some but Howard says it can make a world of difference for Louisianans who are living in poverty.

Cut 5 (06) “…family”

Howard says this is the single largest increase in the program’s history.

Cut 6 (09) “…jump”

Recipients won’t have to do anything to receive the increase, it will be automatically included when they receive their monthly benefits.

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Lafayette Parish Assistant District Attorney Chris Richard faces numerous charges himself after allegedly leaving the scene of a boating incident that injured three juveniles.  Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says 64-year old Richard was arrested Monday for the August 8^th incident.

Cut 7 (11) “….at this point.”

Einck says one of the three juveniles who were tubing on False River that afternoon was airlifted to a Baton Rouge hospital with a fractured pelvis, after the pontoon boat Richard was driving hit him and two others.

According to witnesses, Einck says Richard put on a life jacket and got into the water assist but then quickly left.

Cut 8 (09) “…Carencro.” 

Einck says due to arrest more than a week after the incident a breathalyzer was not given. Einck says Richard was pulling tubers himself and there were approximately five people with his party. At this time Einck says he does not believe others will be charged but the investigation is ongoing. Einck says Richard’s profession does not grant him any special privileges.

Cut 9 (10) “….comes to a boating incident.”

Agents reportedly interviewed more than a dozen witnesses some at the scene and others were located days later.

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STEM and healthcare students who are nearing completion of their degree may be eligible to receive a Completers Grant from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance.

LOSFA Director of Scholarships and Grants Deborah (Deb-or-uh) Paul says if you’re in one of those programs and have 30 or fewer hours left in your degree, you could get some extra financial help.

Cut 10 (11) “…graduation.” 

Priority for the grants will be given to those students who have exhausted financial aid from other sources.

Paul says the state needs more math and science inclined workers and this grant is designed to assist aspiring nurses, programmers, math educators, and others pursuing high-demand work.

Cut 11 (10) “…qualify.”

Paul says the grant is possible as a result of federal dollars Governor Edwards set aside to help students finish their degrees.

Cut 12 (09) “…fee bill.”  

To be eligible you must complete a FAFSA application and meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress benchmarks for the degree program.

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There were numerous tense moments Monday as parents and concerned residents made their voices heard at the state capitol over mask mandates in schools. Brandi Pew of Unmask Our Kids in Louisiana told lawmakers the data that’s been presented by state health officials are based on lies.

Cut 13 (11) “…with our kids.”

Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox questioned Pew about what the ifs and if it’s worth putting her child or another child’s life in danger by removing face masks in Louisiana schools.

Cut 14 (11) “…alright, alright.”

While others testified in favor of masking and the vaccine, Pew contends forcing a child to wear a mask is abuse.

Cut 15 (11)“…with masks.”

The Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics sent a letter to Governor Edwards in support of universal masking while indoors in schools.

On Wednesday BESE is scheduled to discuss the mask mandates. A letter that contends the state school board, not the Governor, has jurisdiction over masking in schools was sent to BESE and signed by 63 of 68 House Republicans.

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LSU starting Quarterback Max Johnson says the Tigers offense needs to address some communication issues after the defensive line reportedly had its way in the team’s first scrimmage of preseason camp…

Cut 16 (15) “…work on that”

Johnson says better communication will come with more reps as a unit during preseason camp. Max is the son of Super Bowl-winning quarterback Brad Johnson, who played 15 years in the NFL. The LSU Q-B on the advice he’s received from Dad…

Cut 17 (17) “…you can be.”  

LSU senior defensive linemen Neil Farrell expects big seasons from sophomore Jaquelin Roy and freshman Maason Smith…

Cut 18 (11)”…this year.”

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The Ragin Cajuns are ranked 23rd in the AP preseason poll. It’s the first time U-L Lafayette enters a season ranked in the Associated Press’s top 25 poll. Coach Billy Napier says his team will have 12 opportunities this season to prove they should remain ranked…

Cut 19 (14)  “…its potential” 

The Cajuns will open the season by visiting the 21st ranked Texas. U-L Lafayette had its first scrimmage of preseason camp this past weekend and Napier says freshman running back Montrell Johnson had a good day, but it wasn’t all good when it came to the offense…

Cut 20 (19)  “…next week” 

During a House Health and Welfare meeting at the state capitol, this morning things got off to a tense start when the audience was told they had to wear a mask and some who refused were then removed by security. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds asked the governor’s chief lawyer Matthew Block if the state might impose a vaccine mandate in order to enter a restaurant, bar, gym, or other venues but Block says that’s not under consideration

Cut 8 (05) “…time”

Starting today, New Orleans is requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test to enter most businesses.

Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews questioned Block on why the state is not promoting natural immunity. Crews says everyone in his household has had COVID except for him and he credits the vitamins he’s taking…

Cut 9 (12) “…among the people”

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter was questioned by Amite Representative and organ transplant recipient Robbie Carter about the department’s approval for a third booster shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for the immunocompromised.

Cut 13 (13) “…came here.”

Representative Carter is a kidney transplant recipient

Tropical storm Fred made landfall in the panhandle today and there are two separate storm systems in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic but as of now, none appear to be any threat to Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim what’s expected to be Tropical Storm Henri (on-ree) should noodle around in the Atlantic and not make landfall in the US. Keim says it may be peak hurricane season but we’re in the clear, for now…

Cut 4 (04) “…business” 

Things got feisty this morning at the State Capitol as a meeting of the House Health and Welfare Committee temporarily devolved into a fracas when people in attendance were asked to put on a mask…

Cut 6 (16) “…take off your mask.”

After things settled down a bit lawmakers got to question State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter. Kanter was asked about CDC recommendations that those with compromised immune systems should get a booster shot. Kanter agreed…

Cut 14 (12) “…another dose.”

The meeting came as the state reported another rise in COVID-related hospitalizations, now just shy of 3,000 across the state, a nearly 50 percent increase over the highest peak in the 3^rd wave earlier this year.

Tropical Storm Fred made landfall in the Panhandle this morning and while there are two other systems in Gulf and Atlantic neither appear to be a threat to Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Tropical Storm Henri is set to just noodle around in the Atlantic and Tropical Depression Grace, which is near Hispaniola, could be bound for Mexico.

Cut 3 (07) “…Mexico” 

The Department of Revenue is now accepting grant applications for the Louisiana Nonprofit and Small Business Assistance Program to support charities and small businesses who are providing COVID support and relief efforts. Secretary of Revenue Kimberly Lewis says to be eligible your organization had to be in existence prior to 2020 you need to have filed tax returns for 2019 and 2020.

Cut  11 (08) “…actively operating.”  

The Louisiana Capitol was the site for a long and sometimes testy meeting where lawmakers, government officials, and parents discussed the use of face masks. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (40) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The state reports 2,956 hospitalizations the highest number since the pandemic began. LDH says 90-percent are unvaccinated.

Amite Representative Robbie Carter asked State Health Officer Dr Joe Kanter when physicians will be eligible for a third shot of the vaccine. Kanter says that the state health department will follow the lead of the FDA and CDC once approval is granted outside of those who are immune-compromised.

Cut 15 (12) “… every day.” 

The Department of Revenue is now accepting grant applications for the Louisiana Nonprofit and Small Business Assistance Program. Secretary of Revenue Kimberly Lewis says several nonprofits have provided much-needed services for Louisianans during this most difficult time.

Cut 12 (11) “…available.” 

Visit revenue.louisiana.gov for more information.

It’s been a tense day at the State Capitol as members of the public crammed into a House Health and Welfare committee meeting. The meeting began with a few people having to be removed from the chamber after refusing to put on masks, and later Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews questioned the governor’s top lawyer on why the state is not promoting natural immunity. Crews says everyone in his household has had COVID except for him and he credits the vitamins he’s taking…

Cut 9 (12) “…among the people”

The state is nearing 3,000 people in the hospital with COVID-19, nearly 50 percent higher than the 3^rd surge peak we experienced to start the year. 65 new COVID related deaths have been reported since Friday along with over 13,000 new cases.

The Louisiana Nonprofit and Small Business Assistance program is now accepting grant applications, up to $25-thousand for eligible organizations and businesses.

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

There are three storm systems in the Gulf and Atlantic right now but State Climatologist Barry Keim says it appears none of them will threaten Louisiana…

Cut 5 (08) “…goodness”

During a House Health and Welfare meeting at the state capitol, this morning things got off to a tense start when the audience was told they had to wear a mask and some who refused were then removed by security. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds asked the governor’s chief lawyer Matthew Block if the state might impose a vaccine mandate in order to enter a restaurant, bar, gym or venue but Block says that’s not under consideration

Cut 8 (05) “…time”

Starting today, New Orleans is requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test to enter most businesses.

The state broke another record today for hospitalizations with 2,956 the highest number since the pandemic began. The Louisiana Department of Health reports that 90-percent of the COVID patients are unvaccinated. 65 COVID fatalities were also reported, and more than 13-thousand new cases were added since Friday.

There are three separate storm systems in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic but as of now, none appear to be any threat to Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the third system, which should form into Tropical Storm Henri (on-ree) later today, is forecasted to noodle around in the Atlantic and not make landfall in the US. Keim says it may be peak hurricane season but we’re in the clear, for now…

Cut 4 (04) “…business” 

The Department of Revenue is now accepting grant applications for the Louisiana Nonprofit and Small Business Assistance Program to support charities and small businesses that are providing COVID support and relief efforts. Secretary of Revenue Kimberly Lewis says each grant is up to $25,000. Cut 10 (12) “…development activity.”

Visit Revenue-dot-Louisiana-dot-gov for more info.

Some folks had to be dragged out of a House Health and Welfare Committee meeting this morning at the Capitol after refusing to mask up. Members of the public, many of whom were unmasked, crammed into the committee room and started a fracas that resulted in some of them being removed by security after being told they had to mask up to be there. Chairman Larry Bagley was heckled as well…

Cut 7 (10) “…out of reach.” 

During that meeting, State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter was questioned by Amite Representative Robbie Carter about the department’s approval for a booster shot for the immunocompromised

Cut 13 (13) “…came here.”

Since Friday the state reported another 13,000 positive COVID tests along with about another 50 people in the hospital with COVID, now just shy of 3,000

There are three separate storm systems in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic but as of now, none appear to be any threat to Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Tropical Storm Fred is impacting the panhandle today, and Tropical Depression Grace, which is near Hispaniola, looks set to head to Mexico.

Cut 3 (07) “…Mexico” 

A third system, which should form into Tropical Storm Henri (on-ree) later today, is forecasted to noodle around in the Atlantic and not make landfall in the US.

LSU and UL Lafayette are both ranked in the AP pre-season Top 25 poll at 16 and 23 respectively. It’s the first time the Cajuns have made an AP preseason Top 25. 

A House Health and Welfare meeting at the state capitol had trouble starting this morning when chairman Larry Bagley told the audience they had to wear a mask in order to be in the room. There was pushback from some…

Cut 6 (16) “…take off your mask.”

Capitol security had to remove several people from the room and the legislative hearing to discuss the fourth COVID surge and vaccine mandates is underway.

It’s possible Louisiana could surpass three thousand COVID patients in the hospital today. According to L-D-H, 91-percent of the COVID patients are not vaccinated. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says the available vaccines are helping to keep the vaccinated out of the hospital…

cut 11 (10) “…death”

The Census numbers show the populations of parishes in south Louisiana have grown, while parishes in north Louisiana saw a decline. Demographer Greg Rigamer says these major differences in population between north and south Louisiana will give lawmakers a lot to think about when they hold a redistricting session.

Cut 15 (07)“…what’s what.”
A redistricting session is expected to be held early next year.

The long thought belief that your metabolism declines after your teens is not necessarily true according to new research out of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Director of Ingestive Behavior at Pennington, Dr. Corby Martin says their study indicates our metabolism is pretty stable from age 20 to 60.

Cut 7 (12) “….we have.”

Martin says infants and children have an advantage because they have a higher metabolism based on their smaller body size.