The State Department of Education launches a program for K-12 schools aimed at making up ground lost during the pandemic. Matt Doyle has the story.

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Matt Doyle spoke with Livingston Parish President Layton Ricks nearly five years to the day after the historic Flood of 2016…

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Beginning Monday to enter a bar or restaurant in New Orleans you’ll have to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. Brooke Thorington has more as the Crescent City become the first in the state to do so

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LEAP test scores were down about five percent last school year and the State Department of Education hopes to boost those scores back up through the Louisiana Comeback campaign.

Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the program has three focuses, attendance and wellbeing of students, recovery and acceleration of learning, and professional development of teachers.

Cut 4 (09) “…day”

Attendance and wellbeing focus on social support for students and monitoring of their attendance. Recovery and acceleration aim to make up academic ground lost during the pandemic through funds for parents to find tutoring for their kids or enroll them in afterschool and summer school programming.

Brumley says the test scores results were disappointing but not surprising because virtual learning is proven to be less effective than in-person class.

Cut 5 (12) “…declined”

Brumley says about four billion dollars in aid has and is headed to Louisiana to support their recovery efforts. 136 million of that will be dedicated to Louisiana Comeback.

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Yesterday marked five years since the start of the tragic and unprecedented flooding that covered most of Livingston parish and parts of surrounding parishes.

Livingston Parish President Layton Ricks says the region is about 90 to 95 percent recovered now but it was a long road that left a lot of scars.

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About 20 inches of rain fell across the area swelling the Amite and Comite Rivers to record levels. The Washington Post reports the “no-name” system dropped as much rain on Louisiana as Hurricane Katrina.

Ricks says at the flood’s peak over 80 percent of the parish was underwater with some areas completely submerged.

Cut 8 (10) “…go under.” 

The flood began on the 12th and by the 13th flash flood emergencies were issued for areas along the Amite and Comite Rivers. By the 15th half a dozen water systems had crested at record levels.

Ricks says the recovery was tough, but it brought the community together.

Cut 9 (08) “…hand in hand”

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New Orleans becomes the first city in the state to require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter places like restaurants, bars, and other indoor venues that have a higher rate of transmission. Mayor LaToya Cantrell made the announcement Thursday goes into effect Monday the 16^th, but she urges venues not to wait.

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Places you’ll have to show proof include gyms, sports complexes, stadiums including the Superdome, concerts venues, music halls, adult performance venues, and casinos. Cantrell says showing proof is a better option versus capacity restrictions.

Cut 11 (07) “…mandatory.”

Cantrell warned critics not to look for loopholes or a reason to be an exception, just look for your vaccination card and be prepared to show it. Cantrell said she didn’t have an issue dining last weekend at a restaurant that asked for her card and neither should others.

Cut 12 (12) “…dining.”  

Cantrell says they are giving venues a week’s grace period before enforcement will go into effect Monday, August 23rd. Ideally, she wanted to give businesses more time but due to growing case numbers and overcrowded hospitals, additional time is not an option.

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State Attorney General Jeff Landry who’s been a vocal critic of mask and vaccination mandates says the City of New Orleans’ requirement to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter certain venues is opening up the Big Easy to big lawsuits.

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Mayor LaToya Cantrell made the announcement Thursday that goes into effect August 16^th with enforcement set to begin August 23^rd. Landry says the requirement will only hurt the city.

Cut 14 (07) “…afford it.”

Landry says if a bar or restaurant owner chooses to require proof of vaccination or a negative test that’s their prerogative but having a government official set the policy opens the city to litigation. The Superdome, which is owned by the state will also be required to ask for proof.

Cut 15 (11)“…increase.”

Beginning Monday in the City of New Orleans you will have to provide proof of vaccination, or a recent negative COVID-19 test for entry to venues like restaurants, bars, gyms, adult establishments, concerts venues, and casinos. Cantrell made the announcement Thursday in an attempt to slow the exceptional growth of COVID cases.

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley disagrees with the Governor’s statewide mask mandate. Matt Doyle has the story.

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As schools reopen in Louisiana there could be a decrease in attendance as more parents are choosing to home school their children, it’s been a growing trend since the pandemic began in 2020. Homeschool Louisiana President Chris Chin says the U-S Census conducted two historic surveys last year on homeschooling and the increase is significant.

Cut 6 (10) “…14.5 percent.”

As LSU prepares to welcome students back to campus, system president William Tate released a video message today reminding students of the new COVID protocols in which unvaccinated students will undergo routine testing. Tate also informed students that COVID vaccinations will be mandatory sooner than later.

Cut 9 (09) “…that time.”

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley disagrees with the statewide mask mandate applying to all school districts, instead supporting local school boards ability to make that decision themselves. Governor Edwards says the indoor mask mandate applies to all schools in the state, a claim Attorney General Jeff Landry disputes. Brumley says school leaders have been made aware of Edwards’ order…

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AARP is calling on mandatory vaccinations for all nursing home staff, residents, and visitors. AARP Louisiana Associate Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl…

Cut 14 (11) “…across the board.”

New Orleans reportedly is moving to require vaccination proof to indoor most indoor spaces in the city.

LSU President William Tate says in a few weeks students will be required to get vaccinated to be on campus.

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The LSU Faculty Senate requested the vaccine mandate be instituted before classes begin this month but the LSU board says they can’t legally require that given the vaccines are still under emergency use authorization.

Homeschool Louisiana President Chris Chin says the U-S Census shows the percentage of homeschool households has jumped in the past two years from 6 percent to 14.5 percent now. Chin says parents are growing increasingly frustrated with public school systems’ pandemic era policies…

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Sate Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley disagrees with the Governor’s statewide mask mandate. Matt Doyle has the story.

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As many students are returning to the classroom there’s a growing trend in others that are not. Brooke Thorington has more from the President of Homeschool Louisiana.

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State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says he believes local school boards should be in control of K-12 mask policy, but “most” schools are following the Governor’s mask mandate.

Brumley says he believes that school systems and school boards should be working with local medical leaders and parents to make the decision on if masking should be mandatory.

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Governor Edwards says the indoor mask mandate applies to all schools in the state, a claim Attorney General Jeff Landry disputes. Brumley says school leaders have been made aware of Edwards’ order…

Cut 4 (06) “..order” 

Even with the new surge in cases Brumley is certain that students must get back to in-person learning this year and not return to virtual classes.

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Brumley made the comments on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster.

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As schools reopen in Louisiana there could be a decrease in attendance as more parents are choosing to home school their children, it’s been a growing trend since the pandemic began in 2020. Homeschool Louisiana President Chris Chin says the U-S Census conducted two historic surveys last year on homeschooling and the increase is significant.

Cut 6 (10) “…14.5 percent.”

Chin says another recent survey indicated the top three reasons parents choose to home school their children. First the pandemic, teaching method options to be improve learning and an opportunity to connect with your child.

Cut 7 (10) “…they lost.” 

Even post-pandemic Chin feels that parents will continue to homeschool their children. Chin says virtual instruction allowed parents to see how and what child is learning in school, and they didn’t approve.

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As LSU prepares to welcome students back to campus, system president William Tate released a video message today reminding students of the new COVID protocols in which unvaccinated students will undergo routine testing. Tate also informed students that COVID vaccinations will be mandatory sooner than later.

Cut 9 (09) “…that time.”

With more than 30-thousand students scheduled to return to campus in the next few weeks, Tate encouraged students to get vaccinated before they return to classes.

Cut 10 (09) “…particular time.”

In the message, Tate says while he understands not everyone is happy with the COVID protocols he wants all students to be able to have a safe college experience as we assimilate to the new normal.

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You can view the entire video welcome at LSU.edu

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AARP is calling on mandatory vaccinations for all nursing home staff, residents, and visitors. The latest AARP dashboard indicates staff vaccination rates at Louisiana nursing homes are at 44-percent, well below the advised benchmark of 75-percent. AARP Louisiana Associate Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl

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While vaccination rates have increased in the past month, Muhl says only 7-percent of nursing home facilities in Louisiana have 75-percent or more of staff fully vaccinated. Muhl worries it places residents at severe risk as COVID continues to mutate.

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Early in the pandemic, the high rate of COVID deaths in nursing homes across the country was alarming. Muhl says it is imperative facilities must incorporate changes now to avoid a repeat.

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81-percent of nursing home residents in Louisiana are fully vaccinated.

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley disagrees with the school mask mandate, saying the decision should be left to local school boards. He says schools got pretty good at keeping kids safe from COVID over the last year…

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Despite disagreeing he says most schools are following the masking policy.

And an increasing number of parents are choosing not to worry about public school policy and instead home school their children per recent Census data. Homeschool Louisiana President Chris Chin says homeschooling is more than twice as popular now as it was pre pandemic.

Cut 6 (10) “…14.5 percent.”

The latest AARP dashboard indicates staff vaccination rates at Louisiana nursing homes are at 44-percent, well below the advised benchmark of 75-percent or higher. As a result the state branch is calling on nursing home facilities to require all staff, visitors, and residents to be vaccinated. Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl…

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LSU President William Tate says vaccines will likely be mandatory on campus within the next few weeks. Tate says even before the mandate comes in you should get vaccinated.

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Some faculty have balked at the delay, saying a September mandate would mean most students wouldn’t be fully vaccinated until mid-October. 

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley reports that “most” schools are following the Governor’s mask mandate ahead of the resumption of classes this month. Governor Edwards says the indoor mask mandate applies to all schools in the state, a claim Attorney General Jeff Landry disputes. Brumley says school leaders have been made aware of Edwards’ order…

Cut 4 (06) “..order” 

Brumley made the comments on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster.

LSU President William Tate says it is likely only a matter of weeks before the school adopts a vaccine mandate. Tate says the only thing holding back that move is the FDA, which is expected to give full authorization to Pfizer early next month. But until then…

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Homeschool Louisiana President Chris Chin says the U-S Census shows the percentage of homeschool households has jumped in the past two years from 6 percent to 14.5 percent now. Chin says parents are growing increasingly frustrated with public school systems’ pandemic era policies…

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New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell is set to hold a 430 PM press conference today where she will address reports that the city will be adopting a requirement that people be vaccinated to enter many buildings in the city. The Advocate first reported that New Orleans is moving to requiring proof of vaccination for entry to the Superdome, bars, restaurants, and other venues. New York City has already adopted a similar policy and Los Angeles appears set to follow suit this week.  

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says he believes local school boards should be in control of K-12 mask policy, but “most” schools are following the Governor’s mask mandate. Brumley says he believes that school systems and school boards should be working with local medical leaders and parents to make the decision on if masking should be mandatory.

Cut 3 (08) “…bossier” 

As LSU prepares to welcome students back to campus, system president William Tate released a video message today reminding students of the new COVID protocols in which unvaccinated students will undergo routine testing. Tate also informed students that COVID vaccinations will be mandatory sooner than later.

Cut 9 (09) “…that time.”

Homeschool interest has not died down even with students returning to full in person learning. Brooke Thorington has more from the President of Homeschool Louisiana.

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The Advocate reports their sources are telling them the City of New Orleans is planning to announce that people must be vaccinated to enter many indoor spaces such as the Superdome, bars, restaurants, and other venues. What proof of vaccination would be required is unknown and the Mayor is expected to address the media this afternoon. 

The state reports that hospitalizations increased by 6 from Wednesday for a total of 2,901. The Louisiana Department of Health says that 91-percent of those currently in the hospital with COVID complications are unvaccinated. The state also reported 52-hundred new cases today and a positivity rate of 11.4-percent.

The CDC is urging pregnant women to get vaccinated, citing mounting numbers of severe cases among soon-to-be moms. LSU New Orleans Chief of Maternal-Fetal Health Dr. Robert Maupin says a mother’s fear of taking a vaccine they don’t understand is understandable, but the shot is proven safe and effective.
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Only 23 percent of pregnant women are vaccinated according to the CDC.

As schools reopen in Louisiana there could be a decrease in attendance as more parents are choosing to home school their children, it’s been a growing trend since the pandemic began. Homeschool Louisiana President Chris Chin says a recent survey indicated the top three reasons parents choose to home school their children. First is the pandemic, then the option of different teaching methods to best suit your child and an opportunity to connect with your child one on one.

Cut 7 (10) “…they lost.” 

Even post-pandemic Chin feels that parents will continue to homeschool their children

The Saints will practice in pads this morning and then tomorrow leave for Baltimore where they’ll play the Ravens in the team’s first preseason game of the year. No word on who will start at Q-B for that game. Taysom Hill says he’s benefiting by getting a lot of reps at quarterback in practice.

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Whoever gets the start will be without Michael Thomas, although receiver Marquez Callaway has been a standout so far in camp.

Two preseason games will be played tonight as the New England Patriots will take on Washington and the Pittsburgh Steelers will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles.  Pittsburgh played in the Hall of Fame game against Dallas last thursday.

The Dunham school has announced it will retire former football star Derek Stingley Jr’s number 24 jersey.  The LSU defensive back wore 24 during his first two seasons in Baton Rouge but will  sport the teams coveted number seven this fall for the Tigers.

CBS Sports has released its preseason bowl projections and they have LSU traveling to Atlanta to take on Notre Dame in the Peach Bowl.  CBS also has Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, and Oklahoma making it to the College Football Playoff.

After returning to Louisiana for fall practice, ULM head coach Terry Bowden will go back to Florida on Friday as his father, former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden will lie in honor at the Florida State Capitol Rotunda and then lie in repose at F-S-U’s Athletic Center. A public funeral service for Bobby Bowden will be Saturday on the campus of Samford, his alma mater.

The CDC is begging pregnant women to get vaccinated, citing data that shows expecting mothers are at a high risk of suffering severe COVID cases. Matt Doyle has more.

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The Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Office says a boating incident that injured three children tubing on False River Sunday has been turned over to state wildlife and fisheries. Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux says two of the children required medical treatment and one was flown to a hospital after they were hit by a pontoon boat. Pending the outcome of the investigation criminal charges could be filed.

As schools reopen in Louisiana there could be a decrease in attendance as more parents are choosing to home school their children, it’s been a growing trend since the pandemic began in 2020. Homeschool Louisiana President Chris Chin says the U-S Census conducted two historic surveys last year on homeschooling and the increase is significant.

Cut 6 (10) “…14.5 percent.”

Health officials say it’s the Delta variant of COVID that is responsible for a majority of breakthrough cases among the vaccinated. Ochsner Health Director of Hospital Quality Dr. Sandra Kemmerly says there’s another trend in breakthrough cases when someone was inoculated in the vaccine rollout.

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