Scientists at LSU Health New Orleans have found two new variants of the COVID-19 virus. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says his people are scrambling to help homeowners jilted by their property insurers to find new coverage ASAP. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Renovations will officially get underway this afternoon at the famed New Orleans Dew Drop Inn. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Scientists at LSU Health New Orleans have found two new variants of the COVID-19 virus. Head of Genetics Dr. Lucio Miele (ME-lay) says the subvariants have not been reported in the U.S. until now. He says they were detected in tests performed last week…:

Cut 4 (12)  “…the next few weeks.”

The subvariants are designated at BE-1 and BF-1 and are of the Omicron family of variants. He says three cases of one and a single case of the other have been detected….:

Cut 5 (07) “…keep track of them.”

Miele says the possible clinical and public health significance of these new coronavirus variants is still unknown. He says more study is needed to determine that. In the meantime, Miele has this advice: better to be safe than to be sorry…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…please do so.”

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says his department is doing all it can to find new property insurance coverage for tens of thousands of Louisianans who’ve been dumped by their current coverage. Six companies have quit the state; leaving their customers scrambling to find new coverage in a relatively short amount of time. With hurricane season already upon us, Donelon says a Florida-based company has offered to take on a great number of those…:

Cut 7 (09) “….called Safepoint.”

Donelon says Safepoint Property Insurance, who has been doing a small amount of business in Louisiana for some years, will take on 65-thousand policies under the same conditions as their previous carrier. Donelon says he is keenly aware of what cancelled or dropped homeowners are going through, because he is one of them. His homeowner’s insurance company also left the state…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…the past ten years.”

Donelon says, all-in-all, about 80-thousand will need to arrange new coverage and they’ll have only another 6 to 8 weeks to do it. He says he is optimistic that other companies will take on the majority of that business, but some will have to go the state’s insurer of last resort, Louisiana Citizens. He says in most cases, companies will agree to write policies that are retroactive to the date of cancellation of their previous coverage…:

Cut 9 (14)  “…a retroactive basis.”

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A groundbreaking ceremony will be held in New Orleans this afternoon to mark the restoration of the famed Dew Drop Inn. Developer Curtis Doucette Jr. says it’s a true passion project for him and the inn played host to music icons like Ray Charles and Little Richard.

Cut 10 (07) “…Drop Inn.”

Doucette says once renovated the property will have 17 boutique hotel rooms, a retail space, resort-style pool and of course a music venue. And he says they plan to host a concert with local legends who once performed at the inn…

Cut  11 (09)  “…continue the legacy.” 

The site of the Dew Drop Inn evolved from a barber shop in 1939 and in its full heyday Doucette says it was a nightclub, restaurant, bar, and hotel. In addition to birthing future rock and roll legends Doucette says it played another historic role.

Cut 12 (10) “…Jim Crow south.” 

Doucette says they hope to have the restored Dew Drop Inn open by this time next year.

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Pharmacist can now prescribe the leading COVID pill to patients under a new U.S. policy announced Wednesday. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter speaks highly of Pfizer’s Paxlovid (pax-low-vid) which is an oral medication and

Cut 13 (08) “…as well”

Kanter says if you do contract COVID there are medications you can easily take at home that don’t require an infusion to ward off severe symptoms especially if…

Cut 14 (11)  “…immediately.”

Kanter says it’s very important not to delay treatment if you are high risk because COVID meds like are more effective when taken earlier.

Cut 15 (07)  “…as soon as possible.”

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Pelicans forward Zion Williamson officially signed his multi-year contract extension on 22nd birthday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but he was eligible to sign a five-year deal worth 181 million dollars. The former number one pick expressed his gratitude to the organization during a Wednesday afternoon press conference..

Cut 16 (12)  “…multiple championships.”

Williamson was the number one pick in the 2019 draft but he’s only made 85 career starts and missed all of last season with a foot injury. While he was rehabbing his injury, speculation ran wild that he didn’t want to play in New Orleans, which he says was not true…

Cut 17 (23) “…very tough.” 

By keeping Williamson, the Pelicans now three All-Star caliber players with Brandon Ingram and C-J McCollum also on the roster. Williamson has yet to play with C-J was added to the team last season…

Cut 18 (19) “ …right now.” 

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Cut 19 (16) _“…when you know, you know.” 

Cut 20 (12) “ …in high school” 

A Calcasieu Parish man is dead, after being shot late Monday night by a homeowner as he tried to force his way into a house. Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the Lake Charles homeowner, who has not been identified, became alarmed when 21-year-old Joseph Tezeno tried to get in through his front door, then the back door too…:

CUT 12(12)      “…chain of events.”

Mancuso says Tezeno seemed very drunk (or high) and was perhaps unaware of where he was. No charges are planned against the homeowner, but Mancuso says the Calcasieu DA will make that call.

In a radio interview, District 6 congressman Garret Graves says small business is getting the worst end of the economic downturn and labor shortages left over from the pandemic. He says they suffer the consequences of public policies that discouraged people from re-entering the workforce…:

CUT 09(08)      “…to work.”

Bomb threats were called in to six Louisiana community & technical colleges this morning. Authorities in each community scoured the campuses and found no explosive devices. No one is reported hurt. The source of those threats is now being investigated.

The recently hired Grambling State University volleyball coach who famously cut the entire team has been fired and the students are reinstated. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Michelle Southern.”

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says he doesn’t plan to arrest a Lake Charles homeowner who shot and killed a man that was trying to force entry into his home. He says the un-named homeowner was alarmed when the man tried to get in the front door, then the back. He met the man at the door, fired one shot into the ground as a warning, then – when the man advanced – fired twice; killing him. Mancuso says security and doorbell camera footage backs the homeowner’s story…:

CUT 14  (08)        “…it’s just unfortunate.”

21-year-old Joe Tezeno, of Lake Arthur, was apparently VERY impaired at the time. Mancuso says he has no criminal record at all.

The state Department of Health reports 2753 new cases of COVID-19, with 539 people in the hospital statewide with virus symptoms. They also report another three COVID-related deaths. 1.3-million Louisianans have been diagnosed with coronavirus since the pandemic began over 2 years ago.

The economy is hitting everyone hard, and the state Department of Transportation is no exception. More from Brooke Thorington…:

CUT 01  (35)        “…Brooke Thorington.”

The state legislature’s attempt at a so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill may have failed, but will school systems enact policy to do that anyway? Rapides Parish Schools are now prohibiting staff from discussing gender identity or sexuality with any student in the classroom, K through 12.

A Calcasieu Parish man is dead, after being shot late Monday night by a homeowner as he tried to force his way into a house. Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the Lake Charles homeowner, who has not been identified, became alarmed when 21-year-old Joseph Tezeno, of Lake Arthur, tried to get in through his front door, then the back door too. Fearing for the safety of he and his wife, the homeowner got a gun and met Tezeno at the door, to warn him away…:

CUT 13(12)      “…coming at him.”

Mancuso says Tezeno seemed to be very drunk at the time, and perhaps unaware of where he was. No charges are planned against the homeowner.

A Baton Rouge area man is lucky to be alive, after his pickup went over the guardrail of the elevated I-110 and fell nearly 50 feet to the ground below. The man had to be cut from the mangled truck. He was taken to a local hospital. His injuries are reported to be serious, but he is expected to live.

While visiting his home district this week, Baton Rouge area Congressman Garret Graves says he’s met with local businesses and leaders to discuss how the current economy and worker shortage is impacting their bottom line. Graves blames government programs for keeping people from reentering the work force and that we continue to suffer the consequences. Graves says small businesses are the ones most affected by the worker shortage. He says larger companies have more flexibility to bring workers in from other states or shift work to other areas…:

CUT 11(09)      “…big difference.”

Bomb threats made this morning to several community college campuses across the state are under investigation. So far, no explosive devices have been found.

Gas prices still slowly dropping. The statewide average for regular is now $4.35-a-gallon; down 8-cents from a week ago. Lowered demand for gas is reportedly behind the price declines.

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A Calcasieu Parish man is dead, after being shot late Monday night by a homeowner as he tried to force his way into a house. Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the Lake Charles homeowner, who has not been identified, became alarmed when 21-year-old Joseph Tezeno tried to get in through his front door, then the back door too…:

Cut 12 (12) “…chain of events.”  

Mancuso believes alcohol played a factor.

While visiting his home district this week, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he’s met with local businesses and leaders to discuss how the current economy and worker shortage is impacting their bottom line. He blames government programs from keeping some from reentering the workforce, and for those who are working…

Cut 10 (09) “…other impacts.” 

The US Army Corps of Engineers approves $1.3 billion plan to floodproof more than two-thousand homes and businesses in Iberia, St. Martin and St. Mary parishes. The reported financial benefits for the three parishes could reduce flood damages of more than $14 million a year.

The recently hired Grambling State University volleyball coach who famously cut the entire team has been fired and the students are reinstated. Michelle Southern reports:

Cut 2 (33) “Michelle Southern”  

Even the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is feeling the effects of the economy. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says bids for some projects are coming in 30, 40 and even 50 percent above estimate. For example, he says the current work on I-10 that are preservation projects…

Cut 5  (13) “…project today.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he’s met with local businesses and leaders to discuss how the current economy and worker shortage is impacting their bottom line. Graves blames government programs for keeping people from reentering the work force.

Cut 9 (08) “…to work.”

The state’s unemployment rate hovers around four percent.

Governor Edwards signs Senate Bill 143 into law which allows honorably discharged veterans to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. They must meet the current requirements to carry concealed with a permit in Louisiana. Bill author West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says the law is meant to protect veterans’ rights to bear arms and show support for their service.

Grambling State University volleyball coach Chelsey Lucas who famously cut the entire team when she was hired has been fired. Kyle Mosley is the Managing Editor for Sports Illustrated’s HBCU Legends says Lucas didn’t give the players a chance from the get-go…:

Cut 7 (16) “keeping their scholarships” 

Lucas is reportedly working with her attorney to prepare a response.

The economy is hitting us all hard. Even the state Department of Transportation & Development is feeling the effects. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 01(35)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

The state Workforce Commission’s unemployment website, called, “HiRE”, is back online after an attempted malware attack took it down. 40 other states had websites attacked as well. The Louisiana Workforce Commission says unemployment payments in Louisiana will start processing soon. Because of new vender security features, payments could take up to 36 hours to process.

A Baton Rouge area man is lucky to be alive, after his pickup went over the guardrail of the elevated I-110 and fell nearly 50 feet to the ground below. The man gad to be cut from the mangled truck. He was taken to a local hospital. His injuries are reported to be serious, but he is expected to live. That crash is under investigation.

The Grambling State University volleyball coach who famously cut the entire team when she was hired has been fired from her job and all student athletes have been reinstated. Chelsey Lucas was under heavy scrutiny from parents and alumni as the players held scholarships with the institution. Kyle Mosley is the Managing Editor for Sports Illustrated’s HBCU Legends…:

CUT 06(12)      “…proper notice.”

Grambling says a national search for a new coach is already underway.

Even the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is feeling the effects of the economy. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says inflation, supply chain issues and the worker shortage are all impacting road construction projects. Wilson says the skilled labor shortage is also a factor for the department. He says it’s hard for the department to compete against jobs that are paying significantly more…:

CUT 04(10)      “…in air conditioning.”

Wilson says bids for some projects are coming in 30, 40 and even 50 percent above estimate.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell responds to accusations she is downplaying burgeoning crime in the Crescent City. Several council members say talking with her about it is (quote) like talking to a wall.” In a statement to WWL-TV, Cantrell says, (quote) ”to say that we don’t take crime and public safety seriously, is…is not paying attention to the prevention, intervention and community transformation strategies that this administration has put forward. The city has seen over 250 murders in the past 12 months.

The recently hired Grambling State University Volleyball Coach who famously cut the entire team has been fired and the students are reinstated. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Michelle Southern,”

Deputies in Calcasieu Parish say a Lake Charles resident shot and killed a college student who was trying to break into his home late Monday night. The homeowner says the young man made multiple attempts to get in, when the man shot him. 21-year-old Joe Tezeno, of Lake Arthur, was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation is underway.