The State Fire Marshal is investigating a tragic fire that claimed the life of a child and left a woman badly burned in the Franklin community of Centerville. Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue describes what responders found when they arrived at the mobile home Tuesday night.

Cut 3 (11)  “…condition.”

49-year-old Derwin Hamilton has been booked into the St. Mary Parish Jail for second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.

Parents see an extra deposit in their account today it is the first of a six-monthly child tax credit Partner with Metairie accounting firm Malcolm M. Dienes, Johnathan Stoltz says income limits changed for the child tax credit so be sure to check on the amount you receive.

Cut 7 (11) “…potentially.”

The federal government says drug overdose deaths in the United States hit an all-time high of 93-thousand last year and in Louisiana, there was a 48-percent increase in 2020. LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Community Medicine Doctor Ben Springgate…

cut 15 (11) “…dramatic rise”

A predicted 1,925 Louisianans died of an overdose in 2020.

The Manning Passing Academy returns to Nicholls State today after being canceled last year because of the pandemic.  The annual camp is put on by the Manning and Nicholls State athletic director Jonathan Terrell says hosting the passing academy on the Nicholls campus has a positive impact on the entire region.

Cut 11 (12) “…through us.”

Parents should begin seeing the first of six-monthly child tax credit payments today. Partner with Metairie accounting firm Malcolm M. Dienes, Johnathan Stoltz says if you typically owe taxes versus receiving a refund, you might want to visit the child tax credit portal at IRS.gov and opt-out of receiving payments.

Cut 8 (10) “…early 2022.”

Visitation services will be held this evening at the First Bossier Church in Bossier City for Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy William Earl Collins Jr. who was killed in the line of duty on July 9th while responding to a disturbance.  Doyline Police Chief Robert Hayden said this was the first time that he’s lost an officer and he’s both sad and angry…

Cut 5  (11) “…we’re devastated.”

A preliminary report from the CDC estimates Louisiana saw a 47 percent increase in overdose deaths in 2020.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

In an effort to recruit Jacob Hood to play 2022 offensive line at Auburn the university sent a social media post that included a photo of a Heisman Trophy. But instead of using a photo of one of the school’s three winners they used a photo of Joe Burrow’s Heisman Trophy. Yes, Auburn posted a photo of rival LSU’s star quarterback Burrow from the school’s national championship season in 2019.

Parents should begin seeing the first of six-monthly child tax credit payments in their accounts or mailboxes today. Partner with Metairie accounting firm Malcolm M. Dienes (Dee-nez) Johnathan Stoltz says you’ll receive your payment typically the same way you got your stimulus check last year.

Cut 9 (10) “…your account.”

A preliminary CDC report shows the nation suffered a 29 percent increase in overdose deaths last year and in Louisiana, it’s an estimated 48 percent increase. LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Community Medicine Dr. Ben Springgate says the state and nation have never before seen a year-to-year increase in overdose deaths this dramatic.

Cut 15 (11)“…dramatic rise.”

A road rage shooting incident in Slidell Wednesday night results in the suspect being taken into custody. Slidell Police say it began on Highway 11 near Brownswitch Road. The suspect then followed the victim into a neighborhood and began shooting at the victim’s car. No one was hurt and police later took the suspect into custody. The investigation is ongoing.

Visitation services for the Doyline Police Officer who was killed last Friday will be held this evening at the first Bossier Church. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

Many parents will see the first of six-monthly enhanced child tax credits in their bank account today, 36-hundred dollars for parents with children under the age of six and 3-thousand dollars for ages six to 17…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A Franklin man has been arrested after allegedly setting a fire to a mobile home in Centerville that killed his five-year-old nephew and also caused critical injuries to his girlfriend. 49-year-old Derwin Hamilton has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.

Visitation is today for Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputy William “Billy” Earl Collins Junior, who was fatally shot on Friday night responding to a disturbance call. He was working as a part-time Doyline Police Officer when he was shot and Doyline Police Chief Robert Hayden calls Collins a family man and an overall good person…
cut 4 (07) “…he could”
The man who shot Collins is in custody. Visitation is tonight from 5 to 8 PM at First Bossier Church in Bossier City.

The federal government says drug overdose deaths in the United States hit an all-time high of 93-thousand last year and in Louisiana, there was a 48-percent increase in 2020. LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Community Medicine Doctor Ben Springgate…
cut 15 (11) “…dramatic rise”

Many families with children under the age of 17 are seeing their first monthly payment of the expanded child tax credit in either their bank account or mailbox today…
cut 7 (11) “…potentially” That’s Johnathan Stoltz a partner at Metairie accounting firm Malcolm M. Dienes. He says the new credit is $3,600 for children under six and $3,000 for ages 6 to 17.

The Manning Passing Academy returns to the Nicholls State campus today after being canceled last year because of COVID-19. Nicholls athletic director Jonathan Terrell says the annual camp put on by the Manning family welcomes over one-thousand aspiring high school quarterbacks and receivers…
Cut 10 (13) “…university.”

A preliminary report from the CDC estimates Louisiana saw a 47 percent increase in overdose deaths in 2020. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The state reported 19-hundred new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday. That’s the largest single-day increase since February.

Funeral services for the Doyline Police Officer who was killed in the of duty will be held today evening at the first Bossier Church. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

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Parents should see the first of six-monthly advanced child tax credits in their account today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A preliminary report from the CDC estimates Louisiana saw a 47 percent increase in overdose deaths in 2020. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Visitation services will be held today from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the First Bossier Church in Bossier City for Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy William Earl Collins Jr. Doyline Police Cheif Robert Hayden said Collins was a family man and an overall good person…

Cut 4 (7) “…best job that he could.”

Collins was killed in the line of duty on July 9th while responding to a disturbance. Hayden said this was the first time that he had lost a member of his staff that the loss has left him sad and angry…

Cut 5  (11) “…we’re devastated.”

A 12-year-old in Florida with no connections to the community ran one mile in honor of Collins and posted the video to social media. Hayden said the video made a wonderful impact and said the young man will be an asset to the country…

Cut 6 (10) “…in his life.”

Following visitation, this evening law enforcement vehicles will travel from the church to Hill Crest Memorial Cemetary with their emergency lights on in honor of Deputy Collins.

The funeral will be held Friday at 11 am at First Bossier Church.

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Parents should begin seeing the first of six-monthly child tax credit payments in their accounts or mailboxes today. Partner with Metairie accounting firm Malcolm M. Dienes, Johnathan Stoltz says income limits changed for the child tax credit so be sure to check on the amount you receive.

Cut 7 (11) “…potentially.”

The new credit is $3,600 for children under six and $3,000 for ages 6 to 17.

The advance child tax credit payment is part of the American Rescue Act to help reduce child poverty by fifty percent.

Be aware that if you are used to receiving a large refund to go towards tuition, etc. your tax refund will be less because you are receiving those funds upfront. Stoltz says depending on your tax situation, for example, if you typically owe taxes versus receiving a refund, you might want to visit the child tax credit portal at IRS.gov and opt out of receiving payments.

Cut 8 (10) “…early 2022.”

Stoltz says you will receive your payment typically the same way you received your stimulus check last year.

Cut 9 (10) “…your account.”

If you share custody of your children, Stoltz says the payment will go to the parent who listed the child as a dependent last. In those situations, he says it’s probably best to have parents opt out of the payments and settle things up when taxes are due next April.

For more information visit IRS.gov Child Tax Credit.

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The Manning Passing Academy will return to the Nicholls State campus this summer after being canceled last year because of the pandemic.  The annual camp put on by the Manning family has several college quarterbacks helping out as counselors.  Nicholls State athletic director Jonathan Terrell says it’s exciting to have the camp back in action.

Cut 10 (13) “…university.”

Terrell says hosting the passing academy on the Nicholls campus has a positive impact on the entire Thibodaux community.

Cut 11 (12) “…through us.”

With Covid protocols in place, Terrell says that’s not the only change you’ll notice on campus.

Cut 12 (12) “…all good”

LSU quarterbacks Max Johnson and Myles Brennan will both be counselors.

__________________________________

A preliminary CDC report shows the US suffered a 29 percent increase in overdose deaths in 2020.

In Louisiana, that number is even higher at an estimated 48 percent increase in overdose deaths. LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Community Medicine Dr. Ben Springgate on one reason behind the tragic surge…

Cut 13 (11) “…pandemic.”

A predicted 1,925 Louisianans died of an overdose in 2020.

Springgate says another reason for the significant jump in cases is that we’re seeing an increase in the availability of highly dangerous synthetic opiates.

Cut 14 (09) “…communities.”

The first two pre-pandemic months of 2020 began with year-to-year increases of 1,000 and 1,200 respectively suggesting the nation was on pace for a significant increase even without the pandemic. The summer of 2020 saw the largest increases in nationwide overdose deaths year over year with a 3,600 death increase in May, 2,400 death increases in June and July, and a 2,100 death increase in August. The year-to-year increases tapered off to about an average monthly increase of about 1,200 by October, November, and December.

Springgate says the state and nation have never before seen a year-to-year increase in overdose deaths this dramatic.

Cut 15 (11)“…dramatic rise.”

93,000 people died of an overdose in America in 2020.

Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says there will be no statewide mask mandate in K-12 public schools when the school year starts next month, and there won’t be a vaccine mandate for students either. Brumley says the goal for the upcoming school year will be to get the experience as close as possible to how it used to be before the pandemic, and while it will be for the most part there’s one policy that will remain in place…

Cut 8 (09) “…follow that.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s a relief to hear that in person education will be returning shortly. He says even with the new, more threatening Delta variant circulating only students with preexisting health conditions should seek an alternative learning environment.

Cut  11 (07) “…complications” 

We’ll know by Friday if lawmakers will be heading back to Baton Rouge for a veto override session. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says it appears likely that neither the House nor Senate will see the majority support for cancelling the session that would be needed to call it off. Once that session kicks off on July 20^th however it’s anyone’s guess which vetoes will get overridden…

Cut 5  (10) “…legislation.” 

Graduates of Grambling and LA Tech are being offered 10,000 dollars to return to Ruston.  Mayor Ronny Walker says this “Welcome to Ruston” push is aimed at skilled remote workers, and they hope to get 25 eligible applicants this year, and 50 the next…

Cut 12 (12) “…got 25 applications.”

While the State Health Department and CDC recommend unvaccinated students and teachers mask up while at school, Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says that decision will be left to the individual districts. Children 12 and older are eligible to receive a COVID vaccine but Brumley says students will not be required to take the shot before returning to school in the fall.

Cut 7 (06) “…family.”

Students will be required to wear masks on school buses per federal guidelines.

A recent surge in COVID cases has health officials on alert. Senator and Physician Bill Cassidy encourages more people to get vaccinated and says the CDC recommends students return to the classroom.

Cut 10 (07) “…infected.”

Cassidy says only students with compromising health conditions should seek alternative learning.

Tomorrow is the deadline for lawmakers to turn in ballots to cancel the upcoming veto override session. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says it appears likely that less than half of both the House and Senate will turn in ballots, meaning the override session will begin July 20^th.

Cut 3 (10)  “…legislators.”

The city of Ruston is offering $10,000 to LA Tech and Grambling University graduates if they choose to return to the community. Mayor Ronny Walker says immediate graduates are not excluded from the initiative…

Cut 14 (12) “…work remotely” 

Walker says so far, they’ve received 25 applications and they plan to award 25 graduates this year and 50 in 2022.

Tomorrow is the deadline day for lawmakers to submit ballots requesting the July 20^th veto override session be canceled. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Matt Doyle” 

Cara the Burmese python that gained national attention after her 72-hour escape from the Blue Zoo, located in the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, appears to be enjoying the spotlight. Cara is now back in a fortified enclosure to prevent future escapes.

Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says at this point the expectation is that the upcoming K-12 school year will look, in many ways, normal. While the State Health Department and CDC recommend unvaccinated students and teachers mask up while at school Brumley says that decision will ultimately be left to the individual districts.

Cut 6 (07) “…school year”

The city of Ruston is offering $10,000 to LA Tech and Grambling University graduates if they choose to return to the community. Mayor Ronny Walker says applicants must work from home to receive the $10K over a period of four years. Walker hopes the program and the city of Ruston, will attract both the young and old…

Cut 13 (11) “…within a city”

Walker says so far they’ve received 25 applications.

Tomorrow is deadline day for lawmakers to submit ballots requesting the July 20^th veto override session be canceled. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Matt Doyle” 

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State Superintendant of Education Cade Brumley says the goal for the upcoming school year is for class to be a lot closer to the pre-pandemic experience. Eric Piccoli has more…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Eric Piccoli”.  

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Tomorrow is the deadline for lawmakers to turn in ballots to cancel the upcoming veto override session.

LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says it appears likely that less than half of both the House and Senate will turn in ballots, meaning the override session will begin July 20^th.

Cut 3 (10)  “…legislators.”

Alford says the Senate is showing the most hesitance at the moment towards holding a veto override session. Once those ballots are submitted Alford also says residents will know which lawmakers voted to not hold a session.

Alford says we’ve started to see some powerful out-of-state interest groups get involved in the lobbying process in favor of a session, particularly the NRA and the National Association for Gun Rights.

Cut 4 (09) “…circus.” 

Both of those groups are in favor of overriding the Governor’s veto of Constitutional Carry legislation that would eliminate the need for those over the age of 21 to get a concealed carry permit to carry a concealed firearm.

Alford says right now there only seems to be clear support for overriding one of the Governor’s 28 vetoes once lawmakers head into session.

Cut 5  (10) “…legislation.” 

Governor Edwards vetoed legislation barring transgender athletes from participating in K-12 and college girls’ and women’s sports.

___________________________

Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says at this point the expectation is that the upcoming K-12 school year will look, in many ways, normal.

While the State Health Department and CDC recommend unvaccinated students and teachers mask up while at school Brumley says that decision will ultimately be left to the individual districts.

Cut 6 (07) “…school year”

Children 12 and older are eligible to receive a COVID vaccine but Brumley says they will not be requiring students take the shot before returning to school in the fall.

Cut 7 (06) “…family.”

Brumley says there’s really only one hard statewide K-12 COVID mandate that will be in place.

Cut 8 (09) “…follow that.”

Brumley says they will also recommend districts maintain three feet of separation between students in the classroom.

_____________________________

Statewide COVID case numbers and hospitalizations are spiking due to the more virulent Delta variant with students set to return to class in less than three weeks. Senator and Physician Bill Cassidy says there’s reason to be worried about the spread of Delta, but it shouldn’t result in continued virtual learning.

Cut 9 (05) “…end of story.”

Cassidy says the CDC recommends students return to the classroom and says we should follow their guidelines.

Cut 10 (07) “…infected.”

COVID outbreaks among school systems in Louisiana were sporadic in the 20-21 school year with mitigation efforts in place. Cassidy says only students with preexisting health conditions should seek an alternative learning environment.

Cut  11 (07) “…complications” 

_________________________________________________

The city of Ruston is offering $10,000 to LA Tech and Grambling University graduates if they choose to return to the community. Mayor Ronny Walker hopes the aptly named “Welcome to Ruston” initiative will attract 25 graduates this year and 50 next year…

Cut 12 (12) “…got 25 applications.”

Anybody can apply but the requirements specify that applicants must work from home to receive the $10K over a period of four years.

Walker hopes the program and the city of Ruston itself will attract both the young and old…

Cut 13 (11) “…within a city”

The selection process will be determined by a committee of five people from across the community and each year those chosen for the award will have to verify that they are still working remotely in Ruston.

Walker says immediate graduates are not excluded from the initiative…

Cut 14 (12) “…work remotely”