Governor Edwards says he is “seriously” considering reimplementing the statewide mask mandate as the Delta COVID surge begins to spiral out of control. Louisiana added over 20,000 new COVID cases this week and statewide positivity on COVID tests jumped back over ten percent for the first time in months.

Cut 11 (11) “…concern.”

In New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued an indoor mask mandate for the city Friday afternoon, effectively immediately.

President Joe Biden has signed Senator John Kennedy’s DUMP Opioids act into law. Kennedy says Opioid deaths have increased in Louisiana over the past 18 months and his bill is set to help prevent further deaths…

Cut 7 (10) “…opioid addiction.” 

The fourteen SEC presidents voted unanimously to invite both Texas and Oklahoma into the Southeastern Conference after the two schools announced that they would not renew their contracts with the Big 12.  Tony Barnhart with the SEC Network and TMG Sports says these two schools leaving their conference is unique due to their high-profile programs.

Cut 3 (11) “…with Oklahoma.” 

The hot and humid temperatures continue for the Bayou State this weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim we can expect to see weekend temperatures in the mid to upper 90 throughout the weekend across the Pelican state and some areas might even see triple digits.

Cut 13 (10) “…and 115.”

Keim says a high-pressure system across the northern Gulf of Mexico continues to pump warm air into the state.

The Pelicans used the 17th pick in this year’s NBA draft to select Virginia’s Trey Murphy. He averaged 11 points a game for the Cavaliers last season and shot a team-high 43-percent from three-point territory. Before his lone season at Virginia, he played two years at Rice, where he averaged 14 points a game as a sophomore.

They also selected Alabama’s Herb Jones with the 35^th pick.  Jones was named SEC Player of the Year last season.

Former LSU guard Cam Thomas was selected by the Brooklyn Nets with the 27^th overall pick in the first round of last night’s NBA draft.  In his only season in Baton Rouge, Thomas averaged 23 points per game and shot over 40 percent from the field for the Tigers.  Thomas was considered a possible candidate for the Pelicans in the first round.

LSU stars Trendon Watford and Javonte Smart did not hear their names called in the draft.  Watford has signed a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers and Javonte Smart has inked a contract with the Miami Heat.  Watford averaged 16.3 points per game while Smart averaged 16 points a game.  Smart led the SEC in three-point percentage with 40.2 percent.

The fourteen SEC presidents voted unanimously to invite both Texas and Oklahoma into the Southeastern Conference after the two schools announced that they would not renew their contracts with the Big 12.  Tony Barnhart with the SEC Network and TMG Sports says these two schools leaving their conference is unique due to their high-profile programs.

Cut 3 (11) “with Oklahoma”

The Longhorns and Sooners will officially join the SEC in July of 2025.

The LSU football program received both good and bad news in the last few days.  Tigers received a commitment from three-star tight end Mason Taylor out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Mason is the son of former NFL star Jason Taylor.  But, LSU also lost a commitment from five-star safety Jacoby Matthews as he has announced that he is decommitting from the Tigers and re-opening his recruitment.  The Ponchatoula native had been committed to LSU since November 2020.

Governor Edwards says Louisiana has the highest rate of growth per capita of COVID cases in the county. On Friday 5,300 new cases were reported along with 1,740 hospitalizations and 31 deaths.  Edwards says he along with other health officials are extremely concerned.

Cut 15  considering :14

President Joe Biden has signed Senator Kennedy’s DUMP Opioids act into law. Kennedy says the bill provides individuals who are in possession of Opioids a safe and effective way of eliminating them…

Cut 6 (10) “…VA center.” 

The U-S Department of Agriculture has completed a study of deer in several northern states and Lousiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Mike Strain says they were checking for COVID-19 antibodies and found them in 33-percent. However, Strain emphasizes while deer are susceptible to the virus, Humans are in no danger from the deep population.

Cut  11 (11) “…deer population.”  

The hot and humid temperatures continue for the Bayou State this afternoon and into the weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a weak high pressure across the northern Gulf of Mexico continues to pump warm air into the state, but the high pressure is also limiting cloud coverage and thunderstorm activity.

Cut 12 (07) “…the roof.” 

A large part of the state is under a heat advisory.

The hot and humid temperatures continue for the Bayou State this afternoon and into the weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim we can expect to see weekend temperatures in the mid to upper 90 throughout the weekend across the Pelican state and some areas might even see triple digits.

Cut 13 (10) “…and 115.”

Keim says a high-pressure system across the northern Gulf of Mexico continues to pump warm air into the state.

The U-S Department of Agriculture has completed a study of deer in several northern states and Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Mike Strain says they were checking for COVID-19 antibodies.

Cut 9 (10) “..Covid -2″

After completing the study, the USDA confirmed 33-percent of the deer were carrying the virus. At Three today Governor Edwards will hold a COVID briefing for the state.

In Youngsville, the Police Department is mourning the loss of one of their own, from COVID. In a press release, the department said 42-year-old Randy Guidry was a veteran Law Enforcement Officer and a two-year employee of the Youngsville PD. They say the Guidry who is a husband and father contracted COVID while serving the community. Funeral arrangements are pending.

The fourteen SEC presidents voted unanimously to invite both Texas and Oklahoma into the Southeastern Conference after the two schools announced that they would not renew their contracts with the Big 12.  Tony Barnhart with the SEC Network and TMG Sports says these two schools leaving their conference is unique due to their high-profile programs.

Cut 3 (11) “…with Oklahoma.” 

The two are scheduled to officially join July of 2025.

A two-year-old was found inside a Baton Rouge apartment this morning along with a woman who appeared to have been dead for four to five days. Authorities believe the woman, age 37, is the young boy’s mother. Police say there are no obvious signs of foul play, and an autopsy has been ordered. The child who was malnourished was taken to a local hospital to be evaluated.

More species in the animal world are turning up positive for COVID-19. Don Molino has more.

Cut 2 (29)…I’m Don Molino.”  

The fourteen SEC presidents voted unanimously to invite both Texas and Oklahoma into the Southeastern Conference Tony Barnhart with the SEC Network and TMG Sports says the addition of Texas and Oklahoma will make the SEC a 16-team league and there have been talks of a possible four-team, four-pod system when the two schools are added instead of a traditional east and west format.  Barnhart that’s just one of the possibilities.

Cut 4 (10) “…other five.” 

The hot and humid temperatures continue for the Bayou State this afternoon and into the weekend prompting the need for heat advisories. State Climatologist Barry Keim says on Monday it looks there’s an increased chance for thunderstorms which might keep the temperatures down and…

Cut 14 (12) “…period.”

SEC Presidents have unanimously voted to extend an invitation to both Texas and Oklahoma, Tony Barnhart with the SEC Network and TMG Sports says the league made a smart decision.  Taylor Sharp has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Taylor Sharp.” 

____________________________________

More species in the animal world are turning up positive for COVID-19. Don Molino has more.

Cut 2 (29)…I’m Don Molino.”  

______________________________________

The fourteen SEC presidents voted unanimously to invite both Texas and Oklahoma into the Southeastern Conference after the two schools announced that they would not renew their contracts with the Big 12.  Tony Barnhart with the SEC Network and TMG Sports says these two schools leaving their conference is unique due to their high-profile programs.

Cut 3 (11) “…with Oklahoma.” 

The addition of Texas and Oklahoma will make the SEC a 16-team league.  There have been talks of a possible four-team, four-pod system when the two schools are added instead of a traditional east and west format.  Barnhart that’s just one of the possibilities.

Cut 4 (10) “…other five.” 

While it could take some time to shuffle certain games within the league, Barnhart says re-adjusting scheduling in the SEC is long overdue.

Cut 5 (11) “…not enough.”

The Longhorns and Sooners will officially join the SEC in July of 2025.

__________________________

President Joe Biden has signed Senator Kennedy’s DUMP Opioids act into law. Kennedy says the bill provides individuals who are in possession of Opioids a safe and effective way of eliminating them…

Cut 6 (10) “…VA center.” 

The Senate unanimously passed this bill in April and the House unanimously passed the bill early this week. Kennedy says Opioid deaths have increased in Louisiana over the past 18 months and his bill is set to help prevent further deaths…

Cut 7 (10) “…opioid addiction.” 

The bill also instructs the Veterans Affairs Secretary to designate times in which individuals can dispose of their prescriptions and permits the secretary to conduct campaigns highlighting when disposal is permitted. Kennedy says he’s thankful that the President and Congress came together to pass the bill adding a new tool in the fight against addiction…

Cut 8 (08) “…hopefully healthier.”

___________________________

The U-S Department of Agriculture has completed a study of deer in several northern states and Lousiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Mike Strain says they were checking for COVID-19 antibodies.

Cut 9 (10) “..Covid -2”

After completing the study, the USDA confirmed 33-percent of the deer were carrying the virus. Strain says the study was completed in several northern states.

Cut 10 (10) “…COVID-2.”

Strain emphasizes while deer are susceptible to the virus, Humans are in no danger from the deep population.

Cut  11 (11) “…deer population.”  

________________________________________________

The hot and humid temperatures continue for the Bayou State this afternoon and into the weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a weak high pressure across the northern Gulf of Mexico continues to pump warm air into the state but the high pressure is also limiting cloud coverage and thunderstorm activity.

Cut 12 (07) “…the roof.” 

Keim says if you have outdoor plans for the weekend you might want to move them indoors or at least to the early morning hours of the day and stay hydrated.

Keim says we can expect to see weekend temperatures in the mid to upper 90 throughout the weekend across the Pelican state and some areas might even see triple digits.

Cut 13 (09) “…and 115.”

On the upside, though Keim says if you can hold out until Monday it looks there’s an increased chance for thunderstorms which might keep the temperatures down and…

Cut 14 (12) “…period.”

The hot and humid temperatures continue for the Bayou State this afternoon and into the weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a week high pressure across the northern Gulf of Mexico continues to pump warm air into the state but the high pressure is also limiting cloud coverage and thunderstorm activity.

Cut 12 (07) “…the roof.” 

He says if you have outdoor plans for the weekend you might want to move them indoors or at least to the early morning hours of the day and stay hydrated.

President Joe Biden has signed Senator Kennedy’s DUMP Opioids act into law. Kennedy says the bill provides individuals who are in possession of Opioids a safe and effective way of eliminating them. Kennedy says Opioid deaths have increased in Louisiana over the past 18 months and his bill is set to help prevent further deaths…

Cut 7 (10) “…opioid addiction.” 

SEC Presidents have unanimously voted to extend an invitation to both Texas and Oklahoma, Tony Barnhart with the SEC Network and TMG Sports says the league made a smart decision.  Taylor Sharp has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Taylor Sharp.” 

The state reports 53-hundred new COVID-19 cases today and 31 additional fatalities.

The third set of weekly winners in the state’s vaccine incentive lottery have been announced. Stephen Curry of New Orleans and Jacob Ardoin of Lafayette at the winners. The deadline to register for next week’s drawing is midnight tonight at Shot At A Million.com Governor Edwards will hold a press conference this afternoon at 3 with an update on the state’s COVID situation.

Local business owners in Hammond have collaborated with the North Oak Foundation by offering individuals 100 dollars when they get both doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

President Joe Biden has signed Senator Kennedy’s DUMP Opioids act into law. Kennedy says the bill provides individuals who are in possession of Opioids a safe and effective way of eliminating them…

Cut 6 (10) “…VA center.” 

The Senate unanimously passed this bill in April and the House unanimously passed the bill early this week.

300 dollar federally enhanced unemployment benefits expire this weekend, cutting off the benefit for the first time since the CARES Act was passed in March of 2020. LSU Economist Loren Scott says there are plenty of job openings available for workers who will be transitioning off of benefits. He says he’s made over 200 calls with Louisiana business owners…

Cut 14 (07) “..right now.”

Louisiana’s June unemployment rate sat at 6.9 percent.

The state reported 44-hundred new COVID cases on Thursday and more than 16-hundred in Louisiana hospitals. At three this afternoon Governor John Bel Edwards will hold a press conference with an update on the COVID situation in the state and also announce the third set of weekly winners in the Shot at a Million vaccine lottery.

With the federal moratorium on evictions ending on Saturday Louisiana renters behind on their payments could find themselves without a home while Covid cases continue to ravage the state. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Erik Piccoli.” 

More than 500 residents in the Hammond area will get vaccinated Saturday as part of a program offering them 100 dollars for rolling up their sleeves. Executive Director of the North Oaks Foundation Staci Arceneaux says the initiative was proposed by a local businessman fearing cases would return to peak pandemic levels…

Cut 4 (05) “…what happens.”

The one trillion-dollar infrastructure bill in Congress achieved a major hurdle in the Senate this week with Republican Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy assisting with negotiations on the bipartisan bill. In addition to supplemental spending, the infrastructure bill would fund more than $6 billion for Louisiana’s roads and highways.

Cut 7 (10) “…demand.”

offering them 100 dollars for rolling up their sleeves. Executive Director of the North Oaks Foundation Staci Arceneaux says since the project was launched the walk-in clinics have seen an uptick in patients…
Cut 6 (12) “…safe and healthy.”

The one trillion-dollar infrastructure bill in Congress achieved a major hurdle in the Senate this week with Republican Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy assisting with negotiations on the bipartisan bill. He says there’s also funds to assist with deteriorating water and sewer systems in the state.
Cut 9 (09) “…water systems.”
If enacted Cassidy says this would be the largest investment in roads, bridges, broadband, and our coastline in the history of our state.

With the federal moratorium on evictions set to expire tomorrow, Louisiana residents behind on their rent could be forced out of their apartments. Executive Director of the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center Cashauna Hill says The combination of debts owed to landlords, many renters receiving only minimum wage, and short supply of jobs has made rental assistance necessary to help those in need. Hill says she anticipates Judges will carry out evictions if the moratorium isn’t extended…
Cut 12 (08) “…going to have.”

300 dollar federally enhanced unemployment benefits expire this weekend, cutting off the benefit for the first time since the CARES Act was passed in March of 2020.
LSU Economist Loren Scott says Currently, the max state benefit one can receive is 247 dollars.
Scott says there are plenty of job openings available for workers who will be transitioning off of benefits. He says he’s made over 200 calls with Louisiana business owners…
Cut 14 (07) “..right now.”