In an effort to stop runaway youth COVID transmission, the governor’s office releases a PSA featuring half a dozen young people describing the serious symptoms they had as a result of COVID-19. Those in the video discussed some of the misconceptions about how youth are allegedly “unaffected” by the virus.
Cut 7 (12) “…spread it”
The PSA ends with the young folks imploring their friends to mask up.

Louisiana’s COVID-19 testing has hit another hurdle with the turnaround time on getting results.  Early in the pandemic, there was a lack of nasal swabs to conduct tests, but now Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Alex Billioux says the timeliness in getting a result makes the difference in being useful data in stopping the spread and just adding numbers to the stats.
Cut 10 (08) “…probably not useful.”

The state reports 1125 cases today, the lowest new daily case count in three weeks. Deaths rise to 3,700.

The Main Street Recovery Program application process is now open and State Treasurer John Schroder encourages small business owners not to wait on their chance at up to 15,000 dollars…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff deputies have charged two teens with the murder of a 53-year-old Lake Charles man found lying in the road last week. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says they believe a 16-year-old used a stolen gun to shoot Anthony Bennett.

Cut 3 (10)  “…car burglary”  

A 16-year-old and a 13-year-old have been charged in Bennet’s murder.

In an effort to stop runaway youth COVID transmission, the governor’s office releases a PSA featuring half a dozen young people describing the serious symptoms they had as a result of COVID-19.

Cut 6 (12) “…taste.”

Eighteen to 29-year-olds have the highest number of infections of any age group recorded by the Louisiana Health at 24-thousand, six thousand higher than the next highest age group.

400 new total jobs are headed to Lafayette after the city secures the new headquarters for Silicon Valley-based educational software company Schoolmint. Governor Edwards celebrated the announcement saying the headquarters alone will create 178 direct new jobs.

Cut 14 (10) “…indirect new jobs.”

The company will make a capital investment into new facilities at just over a half-million dollars.

Just a day after all New Orleans Willie’s Chicken Shack locations were shuttered for violating COVID health orders related to a New Orleans specific ban on to-go cups of alcohol the state announces that four bars have had their alcohol permits suspended for at least a week after they were found to be allowing patrons to stay and drink in doors. Currently statewide bars can only serve drinks to-go. The bars we based in Grand Isle, Lake Charles, Gonzales, and Harvey.

Businesses with fewer than 50 employees can now apply for grant money through the Main Street Recovery Program. Eligible businesses can receive up to 15-thousand dollars in no-strings-attached cash. State Treasurer John Schroder says this is different from the PPP Loans handed out by the feds earlier in the pandemic…
Cut 8 (10) “…that back”
Applicants can be completed at Louisiana-main-street-dot-com.

The governor’s office is celebrating a big economic development win as education software company SchoolMint announces it’s moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Lafayette. Governor John Bel Edwards says this is further evidence of the state’s economic growth for the 21^st century.

Cut 13 (12) “…ecosystem for Louisiana.” 

SchoolMint’s decision will result in nearly 400 new jobs in the Lafayette area.

Imperial Health Urgent Care Center in Calcasieu Parish is the only healthcare facility in the state participating in a nationwide clinical trial for an experimental new COVID treatment. Doctor Jason Morris says they are working with a pharmaceutical company to see if monoclonal antibodies can kill the virus in an infected patient. Morris says if you go to an urgent care facility with COVID-like symptoms you’ll be given a quick test and if positive asked to join the trial. If you do…

Cut 10 (07) “…paitent.”

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association says a rise in chronic conditions is putting more Louisiannians at risk for colorectal cancer. Doctor Jeremy Wigginton says early detection is key, and many times during colonoscopies, preventative measures can be taken during the screening.

Cut 6 (13) “…even becomes cancer.”

Businesses with fewer than 50 employees can now apply for grant money through the Main Street Recovery Program. Eligible businesses can receive up to 15-thousand dollars in no-strings-attached cash. State Treasurer John Schroder says there are only 275-million dollars available…
cut 7 (11) “….Louisiana”
Applicants can be completed at Louisiana-main-street-dot-com.

The governor’s office is celebrating a big economic development win as an education software company announces it’s moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Lafayette. Governor John Bel Edwards on why SchoolMint chose Lafayette…
cut 15 (12) “….local talent”
SchoolMint’s decision will result in nearly 400 new jobs in the Lafayette area.

A rise in chronic conditions is putting more Louisiana residents at risk for colorectal cancer. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Louisiana High School Atheltic Association has made the decision to allow schools to begin official football practices on Monday. No contact is allowed, but seven on seven scrimmages can take place and there can not be more than 25 players involved. The LHSAA says once the state moves to phase three, football teams will be allowed to do more.

The Main Street Recovery Program application process opens at 9 AM and State Treasurer John Schroder encourages small business owners not to wait on their chance at up to 15,000 dollars…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The state Fire Marshal’s office has announced that bar permits for four establishments in south Louisiana have been suspended because they failed to comply with Governor Edwards’ emergency order aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19. The four bars were allowing customers to consume drinks on their property, which is a no-no.

Imperial Health Urgent Care Center in Calcasieu Parish is the only healtcare facility in the state participating in a natonwide clinical trial for an experimental new COVID treatment. Doctor Jason Morris says they are working with a pharmaceutical company to see if monoclonal antibodies can kill the virus in an infected patient. Morris says participants are asked to monitor their symptoms and be available for blood work…
cut 11 (07) “…commitment”
Morris says several patients have already seen positive outcomes from the treatment.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association says a rise in chronic conditions is putting more Louisiannians at risk for colorectal cancer. Doctor Jeremy Wigginton recommends annual colorectal cancer screeing starting at age 50….
cut 5 (10) “…not getting screened”

Louisiana small businesses needing assistance because of the coronavirus outbreak can apply for grants up to 15-thousand dollars to cover pandemic-related expenses starting today. State Treasurer John Schroder says the Main Street Recovery Program was created by the state legislature, but the money comes from the feds…
cut 9 (10) “…275-million”
Schroder expects the 275-million will go quickly.

An education software company is moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Lafayette. Governor Edwards says SchoolMint will create 178 direct new jobs…
cut 14 (10) “…indirect new jobs”
The company also plans to make a 515-thousand dollar investment in a new facility in Lafayette.

The Imperial Heath Urgent Care Center in Moss Bluff is seeking COVID-positive patients to participate in a nationwide clinical trial testing the effectiveness of an experimental COVID treatment. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle

The state reported 23-hundred new coronavirus cases yesterday and the statewide total is just shy 110-thousand. The state also reported 23 more deaths yesterday and hospitaliziations increased by 43 and there are now 16-hundred COVID patients in the hospitals. Patients on a ventilator also increased by 24 to 208.

There’s good economic development news for Louisiana. Educational software company, SchoolMint, announces it’s moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Lafayette. The company’s decision means 178 new jobs and over 200 indirect jobs. Governor Edwards says this is further evidence of the state’s economic growth for the 21st century…
cut 13 (12) “….ecosystem for Louisiana”

Over in Calcasieu Parish, Imperial Health Urgent Care Center in Moss Bluff is the only health facility in Louisiana participating in a nationwide trial where COVID-19 patients are receiving monoclonal antibody treatments. Doctor Jason Morris says they want to nail down how much of the treatment they need to administer…
cut 12 (07) “….around”

According to a study from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, a rise in chronic conditions is putting more Louisiana residents at risk for colorectal cancer. Blue Cross of Louisiana Medical Director Dr. Jeremy Wigginton says there has been a substantial uptick in cancer cases for those with inflammatory colon conditions.
Cut 4 (11)_ “…of the nation.”
Diabetes and diagnosed obesity are also contributing factors and Louisiana saw significant increases in all of these major risk factors in the study period between 2014 and 2018.

The Main Street Recovery Program will begin accepting applications at 9 AM tomorrow from small businesses impacted by the pandemic. State Treasurer John Schroder says Eligible businesses can receive up to 15,000 dollars, and the money will be sent out on a first-come-first-served basis. They’ll be taking applications online…

Cut 4 (10)_ “dot com”

For the first 21 days, the program will only disburse funds to businesses that did not receive federal assistance or insurance payments.

If you’ve received a mystery package of seeds from China or Eastern Europe, the Ag Commissioner is asking you to please not open the package, and if you do, do not dispose of the seeds or plant them. Mike Strain says authorities will come to you to handle the disposal of the mystery seeds.

Cut 8 (05) “…up these seeds”

The issue appears toe nationwide.

Former Vernon Parish Sheriff and former State Representative Frank Howard has died at the age of 81 due to complications from COVID-19.  Howard was Sheriff for 24 years.  Current Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft remembers his predecessor as one to constantly be involved in the community.

Cut 12 (09) “…best he could.” 

Following a few years of retirement from law enforcement, Howard was elected to be a state representative and served three terms in that position before being termed out in 2019.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has shut down all Willie’s Chicken Shack locations in the city after one shop reportedly sold go-cups over the weekend. Cantrell says the shutdown sends the message that the city is serious about enforcing its COVID health orders.

Cut 11 (07) “comply

Bars and restaurants are prohibited from selling to go cups in New Orleans.

Louisiana small businesses can begin applying for a grant worth up to 15,000 dollars tomorrow as part of the Main Street Recovery Program. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle  

Over 2,300 new COVID-19 cases have been reported by the state today to bring Louisiana’s grand total to just shy of 110-thousand cases. Fatalities increase by 23.  Hospitalizations are at 1600.  Daily percentage of positive tests: 8.8%.

Former Vernon Parish Sheriff and former State Representative Frank Howard has died at the age of 81 due to complications from COVID-19.  Current Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says Howard had a soft spot in his heart for the elderly community.  As Sherrif, Howard started the triad program to assist seniors.
Cut 14 (12) “…for the public.”
Governor Edwards will order flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Howard at the State Capitol and other state buildings the day he is laid to rest.
The Department of Agriculture and Forestry is warning residents of mystery seeds being delivered through the mail that may contain some sort of plant pest or disease.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says if you receive a mystery package, don’t hesitate to contact authorities.
Cut 7 (07) “…Ag and Forestry..”
Strain says authorities will come to you to handle the disposal of the
mystery seeds.

State Treasurer John Schroder warns the Main Street Recovery Program, state-run grant program for small businesses impacted by the pandemic, will run out of money within a week once applications open at 9 AM tomorrow. Eligible businesses can receive up to 15,000 dollars in reimbursement for expenses incurred during the shutdown. Schroder calls it no strings attached, and expansive…

Cut 3 (06)  “…operate”  

Businesses must have a brick and mortar location and fewer than 50 employees to be eligible.

The Department of Agriculture and Forestry is warning residents of mystery seeds being delivered through the mail that may contain some sort of plant pest or disease.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the seeds have been received via unsolicited packages by people across the US, including Louisiana.

Cut 6 (08) “…appears eastern Europe.”

Former Vernon Parish Sheriff and former State Representative Frank Howard has died at the age of 81 due to complications from COVID-19.  Howard was Sheriff for 24 years. Following a few years of retirement from law enforcement, Howard was elected to be a state representative and served three terms in that position before being termed out in 2019.  Current Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says Howard became a fixture in the area’s political circle.

Cut 13 (11) “…in our area.” 

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell orders all locations of Willie’s Chicken Shack closed due to violations of the city’s ban on to-go drinks. Cantrell says the there was ample evidence of non-compliance at the locations and a task force was dispatched to investigate.

Cut 9 (12) “…that’s it”

Willie’s released a statement saying patrons refused to comply with the order and they support the city’s public health efforts.