1:30 PM Newscast

There are 24 new COVID-19 fatalities reported in the state today, more than the last three days combined. Total deaths: 2,930. Hospitalizations… up by 20, bringing the total to 588. Total cases: 47,706… up by 534, but the Department of Health says 148 of those come from a testing backlog.

Starting sometime in July Louisiana small businesses will be allowed to apply for a state grant worth up to 15,000 dollars to help deal with COVID related losses. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

New research from the personal finance website WalletHub indicates almost 60% of Americans think COVID-19 has changed the way we work for the better.  WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says around a third of Americans feel physical offices are a thing of the past and many will choose where to live based on things other than proximity to the office.

Cut 10 (08) “…nearby outdoor activities.”

About a third of respondents also believe businesses should be held responsible for employees getting sick.

Governor John Bel Edwards signs a bill that greatly expands access to medical marijuana. Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives lobbyist Danny Ford says this measure allows any doctor in good standing to recommend medical cannabis to a patient suffering from a debilitating condition…

Cut 13 (11) “…could help”