New Orleans’ citywide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test mandate goes into effect Monday.  New Orleans Department of Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno says close to 99-percent of COVID cases in Louisiana are due to the highly transmissible Delta variant. The Delta variant was first discovered in India and ravaged the largely unvaccinated country. Avegno shared her disappointment that the pandemic continues.

Cut 7 (10) “…out of reach.” 

Enforcement goes into effect on August 23^rd. You can download a digital copy of your vaccination card on LA Wallet.

The Louisiana Department of Health reports 75-hundred new COVID-19 cases today and 29-hundred COVID-related hospitalizations. LDH says 91-percent of hospitalizations are among unvaccinated patients. 54 fatalities were also reported today.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon issues an emergency rule to increase the state’s hospital bed capacity at 24-hour acute care hospitals as COVID patients continue to overwhelm major hospitals. Donelon says Emergency Rule 46 is a repeat of what was done earlier in the pandemic.

Cut 9 (12) “…treatment”

Louisiana posted a sluggish 2.7 percent growth in population over the last ten years according to US Census Bureau. Demographer Greg Rigamer says 35 percent of all Louisianans now live in one of four southeastern parishes; Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, and East Baton Rouge.

Cut 4 (06) “..order” 

Nationwide population growth was over seven percent.

Louisiana posted a sluggish 2.7 percent growth in population over the last ten years according to US Census Bureau. Demographer Greg Rigamer says the depopulation of rural parishes continues…

Cut 3, 8 seconds, 2020

Tensas, Cameron, Claiborne, Madison, Red River, West Carroll, Catahoula, Allen, and Webster were hit hardest.

Starting Monday you’ll need proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter New Orleans bars, restaurants, and even the Superdome.  New Orleans Department of Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno says this is due to the new, more infectious Delta variant.

Cut 8 (10) “…wildfire”

Attorney General Jeff Landry says New Orleans’ vaccine-proof policy makes the Big Easy a big target for lawsuits. He called the mandate illegal and hopes a plaintiff will come forward to challenge the rule…

Cut 14 (07) “…afford it.”

French Quarter Fest follows in Jazz Fest’s footsteps and throws in the towel for 2021 citing concern over this 4^th wave of the pandemic. Festival organizers say they’ll be back in April.

Starting Monday you’ll need proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter a host of different indoor venues in New Orleans, including the Superdome and bars and restaurants. Mayor LaToya Cantrell says she chose to be the first in the state on the advice from health officials like New Orleans Department of Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno who says the state’s case growth is enormous.

Cut 6 (11) “…people.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry says this decision opens New Orleans up to lawsuits, and he encourages someone in the city to file a suit against the order.

Cut 13 (10) “…out there.”

Landry says if private businesses chose to require proof of vaccination that is legal, but a citywide mandate is not.

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.

Cut 7 (10) “…2016.”

The flood began on the 12th and by the 13th flash flood emergencies were issued for areas along the Amite and Comite Rivers.

State Department of Education Cade Brumley says the five percent drop in LEAP scores was the direct result of kids not getting enough face to face instruction last year. He says there is hard data to back up that claim…

Cut 5 (12) “…declined”

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. Mayor LaToya Cantrell made the announcement Thursday that goes into effect Monday the 16^th, but she urges venues not to wait.

Cut 10 (10) “…vaccinated.” 

Places you’ll have to show proof include gyms, concerts venues, music halls, adult performance venues, casinos, sports complexes, stadiums including the Superdome,

Attorney General Jeff 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 up the city to litigation. Places like the Superdome.

Cut 15 (11)“…increase.”

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 several components, attendance and wellbeing of students, recovery, and acceleration of learning, and professional development of teachers.

Cut 4 (09) “…day”

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.

Cut 7 (10) “…2016.”

The flood began on August 12th and by the 13th flash flood emergencies

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 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.
Cut 6 (10) “…months.”

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 recovery was tough, but it brought the community together.
Cut 9 (08) “…hand in hand”

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 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.”

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.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell made the announcement Thursday that goes into effect August 16th with enforcement set to begin August 23rd. Landry says the requirement will only hurt the city.
Cut 14 (07) “…afford it.”

Matt Doyle spoke with Livingston Parish President Layton Ricks nearly five years to the day after the historic Flood of 2016…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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 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”

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 says 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.”

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.
Cut 13 (10) “…out there.”

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.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Baton Rouge saw more rain by mid-August than it typically sees in a whole year. And with four months left to go, 2021 is shaping up to be one for the record books. The National Weather Service calculates averages for the capital region by looking at the past 30 years of rainfall recorded by a gauge at the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. By that measure, Baton Rouge sees just about 62 inches of rain in a normal year.

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 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.”

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 16th, but she urges venues not to wait.
Cut 10 (11) “…as well.”

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”

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.
Cut 7 (10) “…2016.”

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
Cut 3 (45) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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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…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

_________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (45)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

_______________________________

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.

Cut 6 (10) “…months.”

_____________________

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.

Cut 7 (10) “…2016.”

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”

________________________________________

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.

Cut 10 (11) “…as well.” 

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.

_____________________________

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.

Cut 13 (10) “…out there.”

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.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle” 

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.”