AAA says three-quarters of Americans are planning to travel this summer. Brooke Thorington talks to an expert about what you should do before you take off on your excursion.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Starting Monday Louisianans who’ve taken their COVID vaccine can register to win up to a million dollars through the state’s vaccine lottery incentive program. Matt Doyle has more.

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With state offices closed for a half-day today, it’s the first time the state officially marks Juneteenth as a state holiday. Brooke Thorington has more.

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The National Hurricane Center is predicting that a disturbance in the southern Gulf will grow into Tropical Storm Claudette and make landfall in Louisiana early Saturday morning.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says even if the system does develop into a tropical storm it’s not expected to be particularly powerful, but…

Cut 4 (08) “…coast.”

The cone of uncertainty has landfall somewhere between Cameron Parish and Biloxi with the most likely area being south-central Louisiana.

Keim says conditions will likely start breaking down around Friday afternoon, so…

Cut 5  (11) “…possibility.”

Keim says Louisiana’s first named storm landfall of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season is going to lead to a bumpy few days.

Cut 6 (09) “…storm.”

Claudette would be the third named storm of the season if it forms.

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If you’re planning a summer trip you might want to hurry up and finalize those plans. According to AAA more people are expected to take a vacation this summer compared to 2019. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says comparing rates for 2020 is pointless considering the pandemic and travelers are anxious to make an excursion.

Cut 7 (11) “…in cruises.”

AAA measures travel interest by the number of vacation map requests their TripTik receives, and requests grew by 10 times from 2019 to 2021. AAA says more than three-quarters of Americans say they are ready to take a trip.

Redman says the majority of summer travelers will remain stateside because of uncertain restrictions overseas, but excursions to Mexico and the Caribbean are also on the rise. Two other popular destinations are Hawaii and Alaska.

Cut 8 (08) “…exotic.”

Redman advises travelers to plan thoroughly and pack accordingly which includes face masks and sanitizer as some attractions might still require face coverings. Also, have your car battery checked before you take to the roads to avoid any delays.

Cut 9 (06) “…your battery.”

National Parks is another popular destination, which requires advance registration, so don’t expect to be admitted without a reservation. Redman says due to a shortage of rental cars consider taking your own vehicle or alternative transportation like tour buses.

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The state is launching a vaccine incentive lottery program that will give out 2.4 million dollars in total prizes to Louisianans who get their shot.

To qualify you have to get at least one COVID shot and register for the drawings. Governor Edwards says the first of five drawings will be held July 9^th with the grand prize drawing on August 4^th.

Cut 10 (12) “…a million dollars.”

You can register for the drawings starting Monday at noon online or by phone.

For those under 18, there will be nine 100,000 dollar scholarship drawings. Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says the money will be put in a START account.

Cut 11 (07)”…program.”

47 percent of Louisiana adults have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine while only 37 percent of the total population have received at least one dose.

Edwards says a study of other state vaccine lottery programs showed it’s highly effective at getting people off the fence. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says it’s worth trying everything.

Cut 12 (07) “…everything.”

The state is still registering about five to ten COVID deaths a day despite the fact that our percent positivity and overall case numbers have been quite low for months.

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State offices are closed for a half-day today in honor of Juneteenth becoming a legal holiday. Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers marched into Galveston with news of the Emancipation Proclamation which declared slaves freed more than two years before. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says many do not know the history of the day.

Cut 13 (08) “…freed.”

House Bill 554 by Baton Rouge Representative Larry Selders making Juneteenth a state holiday was signed into law on Thursday. President Biden also signed legislation making it a federal holiday. James says it’s a momentous occasion.

Cut 14 (09) “…very exciting.”

During a George Floyd protest organized by high school students at the state capitol last summer, James says it was those students who asked for Juneteenth to become a state holiday.

Cut 15 (06)“…in ten years.”

Beginning in 2022 all state offices will be closed for the holiday.

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Conference commissioners are meeting in Chicago to discuss a proposed expansion of the college football playoff from four to 12 teams, possibly as early as 2023.  This has caused some to wonder whether this would negatively impact the importance of bowl games.  Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says while there are some concerns, he’s excited about what this could mean for college football.

Cut 16 (17) “…go forward.”

With the Sugar Bowl being one of the premier postseason destinations in college football, Hundley says this could actually benefit the bowl game.

Cut 17 (16) …really matters.” 

Hundley also says hosting a big-time playoff game every year could increase fan interest and competitiveness of the Sugar Bowl.

Cut  18 (14)”..started.”

A tropical storm warning is in effect for coastal Louisiana all the way to the Alabama-Florida line. The disturbance in the Gulf is expected to bring several inches of rainfall and is on track to reach the north-central Gulf Coast by late Friday early Saturday.  National Weather Service forecaster Meghan Williams…

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A threat for tornados should begin Friday afternoon across coastal Louisiana.

Governor Edwards announces 136-million dollars in federal hazard mitigation money will go to parishes impacted by hurricanes Laura and Delta. But the funds require a 25-percent match from local governments. Edwards hopes Congress will pass a hurricane disaster recovery bill to provide the 25-percent match…

Cut 13 (07) “…that now”

Governor Edwards agrees to withdraw the state from federally enhanced unemployment benefits by July 31st. National Federation of Independent Business State Director Dawn McVae says this will help stabilize the state unemployment trust fund that went bankrupt as a result of COVID.

Cut 10 (10) “…long-term”

The federal program is set to expire September 6^th. Louisiana will also increase weekly unemployment benefits by $28 in 2022.

The legislature is backing a study to find out what happens to oyster shells once you shuck ’em and chuck ‘em. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Policy director Emily Vuxton says the shells can be used to help rebuild reefs to harvest oysters in the future…

Cut 8 (12) “…the coast.” 

She fears most restaurants don’t participate in recycling programs of the shells.

Governor Edwards agrees to withdraw Louisiana from the federally boosted unemployment program early in exchange for a small boost in state benefits next year. The business community is celebrating the news. National Federation of Independent Business State Director Dawn McVea says this will push more people into the workforce.

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Louisiana will cease accepting the 300 dollar federally boosted payments July 31^st.

A disturbance off the Bay of Campeche is now projected to develop into Tropical Storm Claudette and make landfall somewhere in south-central or southeast Louisiana early Saturday morning. N-W-S forecaster Meghan Williams says it could dump half a foot of rain over parts of the state, but exactly where is still up in there.

Cut 5  (05) “….down there” 

Governor Edwards announces 136-million dollars in federal hazard mitigation grant money will go to southwest Louisiana parishes impacted by Hurricanes Laura and Delta. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell says the money can go towards projects to reduce flood risk and help structures withstand hurricane-force winds.

Cut 12 (10) “…climate change”

The Legislature approved a study that will take a look at what happens to oyster shells after folks get done shucking and eating what’s inside them. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Policy director Emily Vuxton says the study will look at what happens to the shells that don’t participate in recycling programs.

Cut 7 (09) “…shell.”

Governor Edwards announces a million-dollar jackpot incentive to be vaccinated for COVID. Residents who’ve been vaccinated for the virus by the end of July will be eligible for the lottery and other giveaways. To enter for a chance to win you must register online or over the phone and registration opens June 21^st.

The business community is celebrating Governor Edwards’ decision to stop accepting federally boosted unemployment payments early. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for southeast Louisiana as six to ten inches of rain could fall between tomorrow afternoon and Sunday morning.  N-W-S forecaster Meghan Williams says the New Orleans area is expected to see the highest rainfall totals as a result of a potential tropical storm…

Cut 3 (09) “…through Sunday.”

If you’re a connoisseur of oysters, have you wondered what happens to the shells after you finished your plate? Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Policy director Emily Vuxton says they want to find out what happens to the valuable natural resource once it leaves the waters of the Bayou State and the legislature has approved such a study.

Cut 6 (07) “…farmers.”

Vuxton says oyster shells are also ideal to build reefs to provide storm protection.

Governor Edwards has signed the bill that will put an end to the extra 300-dollars a week unemployed workers receive from the federal government. The 300-dollar federal enhancement was set to expire on September sixth, it will now go away at the end of July. N-F-I-B state director Dawn McVea says it is disappointing that it took this long to cut off the federal benefits…
cut 11 (11) “…anyway”

This morning, the governor met with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. Edwards says still no word on when southwest Louisiana will receive hurricane disaster recovery dollars from the federal government. The governor says their request is for three billion dollars…
cut 14 (11) “…get us started”
Edwards was able to announce today that parishes impacted by Hurricanes Laura and Delta will receive 136-million dollars in hazard mitigation funding.

When you finish a platter of oysters have you ever wondered what happens to the shells? Brooke Thorington has more on why a local environmental group wants to know.
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State offices will only be open in the morning tomorrow as state workers are getting the afternoon off in honor of Juneteenth. Governor Edwards has signed a bill to make Juneteenth a legal state holiday. On June 19th, 1865, the last group of black slaves in America learned they were free as a result of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The National Weather Service predicts a half-foot of rain could fall in the New Orleans area as a result of a disturbance that could turn into Tropical Storm Claudette. Projected rainfall totals are lower for Lake Charles and Lafayette, two to three inches. N-W-S forecaster Meghan Williams says heavy rains should begin to affect portions of Louisiana on Friday…

Cut 4 (10) “…later”

Governor Edwards agrees to withdraw the state from federally enhanced unemployment benefits the by July 31st. National Federation of Independent Business State Director Dawn McVae says this will help stabilize the state unemployment trust fund that went bankrupt as a result of COVID.

Cut 10 (10) “…long-term”

Governor Edwards announces 136-million dollars in federal hazard mitigation money will go to parishes impacted by hurricanes Laura and Delta. But the funds require a 25-percent match from local governments. Edwards hopes Congress will pass a hurricane disaster recovery bill to provide the 25-percent match…

Cut 13 (07) “…that now”

The legislature is backing a study to find out what happens to oyster shells once you shuck em and chuck ‘em. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Policy director Emily Vuxton says they can be used to help rebuild reefs to harvest oysters in the future…

Cut 8 (12) “…the coast.” 

She fears most restaurants don’t participate in recycling programs of the shells and hopes the study will highlight that they are a valuable natural resource.

Governor Edwards agrees to withdraw Louisiana from the federally boosted unemployment program early in exchange for a small boost in state benefits next year. The business community is celebrating the news. National Federation of Independent Business State Director Dawn McVea says this will push more people into the workforce.

Cut 9 (09) “…door”

Louisiana will cease accepting the 300 dollar federally boosted payments on July 31^st.

Governor Edwards announces 136-million dollars in federal hazard mitigation grant money will go to southwest Louisiana parishes impacted by Hurricanes Laura and Delta. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell says the money can go towards projects to reduce flood risk and help structures withstand hurricane-force winds.

Cut 12 (10) “…climate change”

The Legislature approved a study that will take a look at what happens to oyster shells after folks get done shucking and eating what’s inside them. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Policy director Emily Vuxton says the study will look at what happens to the shells that don’t participate in recycling programs.

Cut 7 (09) “…shell.”

The National Weather Service predicts a half-foot of rain could fall in the New Orleans area as a result of a disturbance that could turn into Tropical Storm Claudette. N-W-S forecaster Meghan Williams says once the disturbance gets better organized, they’ll have a better idea where the heaviest rain will fall.

Cut 5  (05) “….down there” 

The low-pressure system has been hanging out in the Bay of Campeche this week, but it’s expected to move towards Louisiana today and a tropical depression could form tonight or tomorrow morning.

Today Governor John Bel Edwards will announce COVID-19 vaccine incentives to bolster the state’s vaccinated population.  Pressure to get more people vaccinated has increased as the percentage of COVID cases tied to a new Delta strand have tripled in Louisiana. Edwards says he’s spoken with the White House regarding the rate of growth.

Cut 11 (09)”…hospitalizations and deaths.”

And the governor has signed into law a measure that creates the framework for self-driving delivery robots to carry packages, food, etc. on the state’s streets. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says they are not self-driving cars per se but more comparable to drones.

Cut 7 (10) “…to food.”

The delivery devices are banned from use in and around airports.

The Biden Administration is interested in potentially having companies set up wind turbines in the shallow waters off the Gulf of Mexico coast. Matt Doyle has the story.

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A bill to raise the age to purchase, cigarettes, vape, and or tobacco products to 21 is now officially a state law in Louisiana. Denham Springs Representative Buddy Mincey says he was encouraged to sponsor the bill after local school administrators told him about the alarming rate of vape use among teens. The law makes Louisiana in compliance with federal law.

Governor Edwards has signed the bill that will put an end to the extra 300-dollars a week unemployed workers receive from the federal government. The 300-dollar federal enhancement was set to expire on September sixth, it will now go away at the end of July. Also, starting next year, unemployed workers will receive an additional 28-dollars a week from the state.

The governor has also signed a bill that sets the framework for businesses to use drones to make local deliveries. Brooke Thorington explains.
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The Biden administration has begun to explore whether the Gulf of Mexico can be a source for wind energy development. LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director David Dismukes says it’s possible, but there are a lot of challenges and it could take a couple of decades for it to become a reality…
cut 15 (09) “…challenge”
The President has set the goal for the United States to produce 30-thousand megawatts of wind capacity by 2030.

A state tax credit worth up to 25-hundred dollars to an individual who purchases an electric car or an alternative fuel vehicle is set to expire on July 1st. Louisiana Clean Fuels co-Coordinator Tyler Hermann says if you are buying specifically to take advantage of the tax credit, be advised it is a nonrefundable income tax credit so you have to have $2,500 of tax liability left over for the 2021 tax year.
Cut 6 (09) “…of it.”

Governor Edwards will announce COVID-19 vaccine incentives at a 2:30 press conference in an attempt to increase the state’s vaccinated population which currently sits at 33-percent. Eric Picolli has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Eric Picolli.”

That tropical disturbance we’ve been watching in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to move towards Louisiana today and possibly develop into a tropical depression tonight or early tomorrow morning. Forecasters are expecting heavy rainfall starting on Friday and continuing into Saturday.

The Biden administration is looking at whether the Gulf of Mexico could be a source of offshore wind energy. LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director David Dismukes says turbines in the Gulf can likely generate electricity, but there’s a number of questions that must be answered from hurricane resiliency to…
cut 14 (07) “….hours”
Governor Edwards is a supporter of offshore wind energy development in the Gulf.

The governor has signed a bill that establishes a framework for businesses that plan to use drones to make local deliveries. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says the devices will have to travel at a speed no higher than 12 miles per hour in pedestrian areas, can’t be used around airports and local governments can also set up their own regulations…
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Several other states have passed similar laws.