Over the past two weeks, 100 new COVID patients have been admitted to Louisiana hospitals. Matt Doyle reports the Delta variant has caused a spike in hospitalizations…
cut 2 (29) “….I’m Matt Doyle”

A 14-year-old girl from Harvey won the Scripps National Spelling Bee last night becoming the first person from Louisiana to win the bee. Zaila Avant-garde is also the first African American winner of the bee. She spelled Murraya correctly to win. M-u-r-r-a-y-a.

Sheriffs and police chiefs are calling on lawmakers not to override Governor Edwards’ veto of a bill that would remove the requirement of a permit to conceal carry a gun. Training is required in order to receive a permit. New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson says putting more untrained gun owners on the streets will make the state’s crime problem worse…
cut 6 (09) “….encounter”
Lawmakers have until July 15th to decide if they want an override veto session.

And individuals who received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot have until midnight tonight to register for the first “Shot At a Million” drawing. Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health Kimberly Hood says the lottery is an incentive to get more people vaccinated…
cut 11 (09) “…that hump”
Winners of the weekly drawings can win 100-thousand dollars, younger contestants can win a 100-thousand dollar scholarship. The drawing for the one-million-dollar cash prize is August 6th.

State health officials believe the prevalence of the more dangerous Delta coronavirus variant is behind Louisiana’s recent increase in COVID cases and hospitalizations. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says COVID hospitalizations have increased by 100 in just two weeks and cases have increased by 33-hundred over the past week…
Cut 7 (07) “…state.”
Kanter says the state’s low vaccination rate makes it likely Louisiana will see another surge in cases.

Prices at the pump are on the rise too. Triple-A says the statewide average for regular gasoline is $2.78 a gallon and fuel analyst Don Redman says demand will force gas prices to rise as the summer moves along…
cut 13 (08) “….2.95 a gallon”

Law enforcement officials are imploring lawmakers to not override Governor Edwards’ veto of a bill that removes the need to have a permit to conceal carry…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A group of law enforcement officials from around the state are imploring lawmakers to not override Governor Edwards’ veto of a bill that removes the need to have a permit to concealed carry…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Over the past two weeks, 100 new COVID patients have been admitted to Louisiana hospitals. Matt Doyle has more on if we’re entering a new surge…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Today is the last day to register for the first of five weekly drawings in the state’s Shot At A Million vaccine lottery. Brooke Thorington explains…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Law enforcement officials from around the state gathered Thursday to implore lawmakers to not override Governor Edwards’ veto of legislation allowing concealed carry without a permit.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre says allowing unlicensed, untrained people to carry concealed firearms in public is a recipe for disaster.

Cut 4 (06) “…weapon.”

Under the bill, those 21 and older who are not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm would be allowed to carry a concealed handgun without needing to prove proficiency and safety knowledge to a state-accredited training instructor.

East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux called the Constitutional Carry bill a terrible, terrible bill.

Cut 5  (11) “…state.”

The Louisiana Chiefs of Police formally requested lawmakers not override the veto, but the Louisiana Sheriffs Association as an organization has remained neutral.

New Orleans Superintendent of Police Shaun Ferguson says we’re already enduring an increase in crime and putting more untrained gun owners on the streets will make it worse.

Cut 6 (09) “…encounter.”

The bill cleared the legislature with over two-thirds support in both chambers. Should those votes hold during the apparently likely upcoming veto override session later this month the Governor’s veto would be overridden.

_______________________________

State health officials believe the prevalence of the more dangerous Delta coronavirus variant is behind our recent concerning increase in COVID cases and hospitalizations.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says after months of relatively low, stable COVID numbers we’ve seen 100 new COVID hospitalizations in just two weeks, and an increase in COVID incidents…

Cut 7 (07) “…state.”

Percent positivity on new COVID tests has also jumped to four percent this last week from the previous rate of 3.1 percent.

Kanter says about 52 percent of new cases nationally are Delta, but in our region, that number is up to 59 percent.

Cut 8 (12) “…seeing.”

Kanter estimates the Delta variant is 60 percent more contagious than previous strains and more likely to put young people in the hospital.

The problem is particularly acute on the Northshore where Region Nine Public Health Director Gina Lagarde says percent positivity is up to six percent. She says public behavior is behind the rise…

Cut 9 (08) “…masks.”

Kanter said the state’s low vaccination rate, just 39% of all Louisianans have received at least one COVID shot. A nationwide CDC report showed 99% of those who died from COVID in June were unvaccinated.

1,763 fully vaccinated Louisianans have been infected with COVID with 27 resulting deaths. More than 486,000 Louisianans in total have tested positive since March of 2020.

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Today is the last day to register for the first set of drawings in the state’s “Shot at A Million” vaccine lottery. Names of the weekly winners for the $100-thousand cash prize and scholarship will be announced on the next five Fridays. Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health Kimberly Hood says the sooner you get vaccinated and register the better your chances…

Cut 10 (06) “…as well.”

Hood says the purpose of the lottery is to increase the state’s COVID vaccination rate. So far, she says it’s too soon to tell if the lottery has impacted vaccinations. Not only do they want to incentivize new vaccines, but Hood says they also wanted to reward those who were vaccinated in the very beginning.

Cut 11 (09) “…that hump.”

So far just over 600-thousand have entered, so the odds are pretty good when you compare to other lotteries. Hood says you only need to register once and then you’re in the running for weekly prizes.

Cut 12 (11) “…saves lives.” 

The deadline for each weekly entry is midnight Friday until the end of July. Entries from those ages 12 to 17 are eligible for one of nine scholarships.  On August 13^th the grand prize winner of a million and five scholarship winners will be announced.

__________________________________

Motorists continue to feel the pinch at the pump with the national average for regular gas at $3.14 gallon. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says in the Bayou State the average price is hovering at $2.80 a gallon but it might not stay there long.

Cut 13 (08) “…$2.95 a gallon.”

Redman says he doesn’t expect the state to see prices in the $3.00 range, but a lot depends on if the industry is able to keep up with demand.

Cut 14 (08) “…upwards.”

As for the remainder of the summer, Redman says you might want to start budgeting for gas in the $2.90-range and he suggests if you have the ability to use a more fuel-efficient vehicle you might want to consider that.

Cut 15 (07)“…2014.”

Redman says California is seeing prices in the $4.30 a gallon range and other western states paying more than $3.50 a gallon.

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State lawmakers have until next Friday to decide on whether to hold an override veto session. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there are some lawmakers who wonder if they have enough votes to override a veto…

Cut 4 (05) “…anything”

Governor Edwards vetoed 28 bills, a majority vote in either the House or Senate is needed to cancel the session that’s set to begin July 20th.

One of the measures blocked by Edwards would have expanded state drug courts by using funds obtained in opioid settlements. The bill’s author, Port Allen Senator Rick Ward, hopes there’s an override session so that they discuss the bill again and possibly override the veto…
cut 11 (08) “…as well”

In his veto statement, Edwards says the bill was too vague about how the Attorney General was allowed to spend money.

The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested 25-year-old Brian Michael Clark after he fatally shot a woman at his house multiple times. Lt. Bill Davis says Clark told investigators that he got mad at the victim.
cut 13 (08) “…of hand”
Davis says Clark was the one who called 9-1-1 to report the shooting and later confessed. The victim’s identity has not been released.

There’s a movement to give family caregivers a tax credit of up to five thousand dollars with the Credit for Caring Act. AARP State Director Denise Botcher says 80-percent of those caring for family members are paying out-of-pocket expenses of more than seven thousand annually.

Cut 7 (11) “…own home”

Botcher says the highest-burden of expenses is falling on younger caregivers and those who are Black or Hispanic.

State lawmakers have until next Friday to decide on whether to hold an override veto session. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says some legislators are concerned that if they do not vote to cancel the veto session, the governor could retaliate by withholding the funding for local construction projects…

Cut 3 (09)  “…bond commission agenda”

Among the vetoes is legislation pushed by Attorney General Jeff Landry that would have expanded state drug courts using funding obtained from opioid settlements. In his veto statement, Edwards said the bill was too vague about how the Attorney General was allowed to spend funds. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says he spoke with the Governor’s staff about why his bill was vetoed.…

Cut 10 (05) “…weeks.”

If a veto session takes place it would begin on July 20^th.

A Haughton man has been arrested for second-degree murder after he called 911 and told the dispatcher he’d shot a woman. Lt Bill Davis with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says 25-year-old Brian Michael Clark confessed to shooting a woman in his trailer Wednesday evening and when they arrived she was pronounced dead on the scene.

Cut 12 (07) “…shot her.”

Davis says the identity of the victim has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

Congress is looking at giving family caregivers a tax credit to help offset expenses. AARP says caregivers spend on average just over seven thousand out of pocket annually. AARP State Director Denise Botcher says it’s a bipartisan effort known as the Credit for Caring Act.

Cut 6 (11) “…facing.”

Lawmakers have until next Friday to decide whether they want to head back to Baton Rouge July 20^th to override any one of the Governor’s 28 vetoes.  La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the veto of a bill to prohibit transgender females from participating in girls’ sports is fueling the desire to hold a veto session…

Cut 5  (09) “..two-thirds vote for” 

A more little-known veto that could also be overturned involved legislation that would have expanded state drug courts using funds obtained from opioid settlements. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says the veto of his bill came as a real surprise.

Cut 9 (08) “…seamlessly.”

In his veto statement, Governor Edwards raised concerns the bill was too vague in how the money could be spent.

A Haughton man has been arrested for second-degree murder after he called 911 and told the dispatcher he’d shot a woman. Lt Bill Davis with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says the murder is unusual because the suspect, 25-year-old Brian Clark, notified them of the shooting and ultimately confessed after doing it.

Cut 14 (08) “…just tragic.” 

The AARP is calling on Louisiana’s Congressional Delegation to support the Credit for Caring Act, a caregivers tax credit that would help offset the costs associated with supporting a family member who is in need of assistance. AARP State Director Denise Botcher says  Congress recognizes that family caregivers are under a lot of pressure, especially after many lost support services during the pandemic.

Cut 8 (11) “…they need.”

A missing 12-foot python that escaped its enclosure at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge has been found. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Federal legislation has been introduced that would provide a tax credit for those who incur out-of-pocket expenses when caring for a family member.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.  

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State lawmakers have until next Friday to decide on whether to hold an override veto session. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says some legislators are concerned that if they do not vote to cancel the veto session, the governor could retaliate by withholding the funding for local construction projects…

Cut 3 (09)  “…bond commission agenda”

There are 28 bills Governor Edwards vetoed and a majority vote in either the House or Senate is needed to cancel the session that’s set to begin July 20th.  Legislative leaders are pushing for a veto session, but Alford says there are lawmakers who wonder if they have enough votes to override a veto…

Cut 4 (05) “…anything”

It will take a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to override a veto, which means 26 votes in the Senate and 70 in the House. Alford says the veto of a bill to prohibit transgender females from participating in girls’ sports is fueling the desire to hold a veto session…

Cut 5  (09) “..two-thirds vote for” 

___________________________

Congress is looking at giving family caregivers a tax credit to help offset expenses. AARP says caregivers spend on average just over seven thousand out of pocket annually. AARP State Director Denise Botcher says it’s a bipartisan effort known as the Credit for Caring Act.

Cut 6 (11) “…facing.”

Botcher says 80-percent of those caring for family members are paying out-of-pocket expenses with the highest burden falling on younger caregivers and those who are Hispanic or Black.

Cut 7 (11) “…own home”

Botcher says half of a caretaker’s spending is then followed by medical expenses.

So far, the Credit for Caring Act is receiving positive feedback from lawmakers. Botcher says Congress recognizes that family caregivers are under a lot of pressure, especially after many lost support services during the pandemic.

Cut 8 (11) “…they need.”

Botcher says caregivers assisting those with Alzheimer’s, dementia or mental health issues spend more than eight thousand annually.

_____________________________

Governor Edwards vetoed legislation pushed by Attorney General Jeff Landry that would have expanded state drug courts using funds obtained from opioid settlements.

Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says the veto of his bill came as a real surprise given there wasn’t a single vote against it as it sailed through the Legislature.

Cut 9 (08) “…seamlessly.”

The bill mandated drug tests within 24 hours of a person being booked, and then called for screening those who test positive to determine if they suffer from a substance use disorder and thus qualify for entry into the drug court program.

In his veto statement, Edwards raised concerns the bill was too vague about how the Attorney General was allowed to spend the money. Ward says he spoke with the Governor’s staff…

Cut 10 (05) “…weeks.”

Ward anticipates there will be a veto override session later this month and there’s a possibility that the Governor’s veto will be overridden if he can’t better justify his decision.

Cut  11 (08) “…as well.” 

Edwards vetoed 28 bills this session but the most controversial, those involving transgender athletes and concealed carry, will likely headline any potential veto override session.

_________________________________________________

A Haughton man has been arrested for second-degree murder after he called 911 and told the dispatcher he’d shot a woman. Lt Bill Davis with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says 25-year old Brian Michael Clark confessed to shooting a woman in his trailer Wednesday evening and when they arrived she was pronounced dead on the scene.

Cut 12 (07) “…shot her.”

Davis says the identity of the victim has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

Cut 13 (08) “…of hand.”

Davis says the homicide is unusual because the suspect notified them of the shooting and ultimately confessed.

Cut 14 (08) “…just tragic.” 

Clark was transported to the Bossier Maximum-Security Facility.

Federal legislation has been introduced that would provide a tax credit for those who incur out-of-pocket expenses when caring for a family member. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

A 12-foot python reported missing Tuesday morning from the Blue Zoom Aquarium at the mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge was found this morning alive and well in the ceiling crawl space. Cara was taken to the LSU Veterinary School for a checkup. It’s still unclear how she was able to slither away from her enclosure.

The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested 25-year-old Brian Michael Clark after he fatally shot a woman at his house multiple times. Lt. Bill Davis says Clark told investigators that he got mad at the victim..
cut 13 (08) “…of hand”
Davis says Clark was the one who called 9-1-1 to report the shooting and later confessed. The victim’s identity has not been released.

State lawmakers have until next Friday to decide if they want to cancel a veto session set for July 20th. Governor Edwards vetoed 28 bills and one of the measures blocked by the governor would have expanded state drug courts by using funds obtained in opioid settlements. The bill’s author, Port Allen Senator Rick Ward, hopes there’s an override session so that they discuss the bill again and possibly override the veto…
cut 11 (08) “…as well”

State lawmakers have until next Friday to decide on whether to hold an override veto session. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there are some lawmakers who wonder if they have enough votes to override a veto…

Cut 4 (05) “…anything”

Governor Edwards vetoed 28 bills, a majority vote in either the House or Senate is needed to cancel the session that’s set to begin July 20th.

Among the vetoes is legislation pushed by Attorney General Jeff Landry that would have expanded state drug courts using funding obtained from opioid settlements. In his veto statement, Edwards said the bill was too vague about how the Attorney General was allowed to spend funds. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says he spoke with the Governor’s staff about why his bill was vetoed.…

Cut 10 (05) “…weeks.”

A missing 12-foot python that escaped its enclosure at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge has been found. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

25-year old Brian Michael Clark of Haughton faces second-degree murder charges after he called 911 last night and told them he shot a woman in his trailer.  Lt Bill Davis with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office…

Cut 12 (07) “…shot her.”

Her identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

State lawmakers have until July 16^th to decide on whether to hold an override veto session. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says some legislators are concerned that if they do not vote to cancel the session, the governor could retaliate by withholding funding for local construction projects…

Cut 3 (09)  “…bond commission agenda”

Governor Edwards vetoed legislation pushed by Attorney General Jeff Landry that would have expanded state drug courts using funds obtained from opioid settlements. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says the veto of his bill came as a real surprise given there wasn’t a single vote against it as it sailed through the Legislature.

Cut 9 (08) “…seamlessly.”

In his veto statement, Edwards said the bill was too vague about how the Attorney General was allowed to spend funds.

There’s a movement to give family caregivers a tax credit of up to five thousand dollars with the Credit for Caring Act. AARP State Director Denise Botcher says 80-percent of those caring for family members are paying out-of-pocket expenses of more than seven thousand annually.

Cut 7 (11) “…own home”

Botcher says the highest-burden of expenses is falling on younger caregivers and those who are Hispanic or Black.

It was just over a decade ago that Mary Jeannette Duhon, the estranged wife of Joe Constance was murdered in her home in Calcasieu Parish. Retired Lake Charles Police Chief and now lead investigator Don Dixon says 54-year-old Constance has been on the run ever since for the murder of Duhon.

Cut 13 (08) “…get away.”

They are asking anyone with information to come forward.