LRN AM Newscall July 1

On the last day of the special session, the Legislature passes a tort reform bill that supporters say will lower auto insurance rates. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Louisiana National Guard will honor first responders and frontline healthcare workers by performing flyovers over hospitals today.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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On the final day of the special session, the Legislature approves a 34 billion dollar budget. Matt Doyle has the Governor’s reaction…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Civil lawsuit reform legislation is headed to the Governor’s desk that supporters say may lower auto insurance rates.

The bill was passed on veto-proof lines but is less expansive than previous tort legislation that was shot down by the Governor. Crowley Representative John Stefanski calls it an important step forward…

Cut 4 (11)_ “…rates.”

The bill passed with a few hours left in the special session.

The bill sets the jury trial threshold at 10,000 dollars, limits when insurance company’s names can be mentioned in court, removes a ban on mentioning a crash victim’s seatbelt status, and make other adjustments to collateral source.

Baton Rouge Representative C. Denise Marcelle asked the question on everyone’s mind…

Cut 5 (07)  “…insurance”

But ultimately voted for it alongside a number of other Democrats who had previously opposed tort measures.

Evangeline Parish Senator Heather Cloud celebrated the bill’s passage, saying it would help fix the ongoing crisis in commercial auto insurance markets.

Cut 6 (09) “…the books”

Governor Edwards applauded this version of the bill, which was a compromise between earlier GOP efforts and the Governor’s past preferred policy.

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Senator Bill Cassidy says he expects another federal stimulus package to be passed sometime in late July.

Cassidy aims to have CARES 4.0 focused on covering the estimated 500 billion dollars of lost revenue for local governments nationwide. He says the cancellation of spring south Louisiana festivals has already left a mark, and…

Cut 7 (10) “…festival.”

The 500 billion dollars includes funds already lost, and estimated losses moving into 2021.

Cassidy says Senators are evaluating whether they will maintain federal unemployment assistance set to expire July 31st but feels it won’t be necessary if economies can reopen.

Cut 8 (11) “…assistance.”

When asked how big the next stimulus might be, Cassidy expressed concern that about 50 percent of the money allocated for COVID recovery hasn’t even been spent yet.

Cut 9 (07) “…resources”

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The Louisiana National Guard will be performing more hospital flyovers today honoring first responders and frontline healthcare workers.  Louisiana’s Army aviation commander Col. John Plunkett says two teams of four Black Hawk helicopters will lift off around 11 am, one from Hammond, the other from Pineville.

Cut 10 (09) “…very easily seen.”

Several months ago, flyovers were performed, but they didn’t hit every hospital in the state. Plunkett says the routing of these flights should hit Slidell, Hammond, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Shreveport, and Monroe.

Cut 11 (09) “…will see us.”

Plunkett says the battle against COVID-19 will be a long one and compares what healthcare workers are going through to that of an overseas deployment.

Cut 12 (08) “…short term sacrifice.”

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The Legislature approves a 34 billion dollar operating budget for the fiscal year that starts today, one that looks fairly similar to the on Governor Edwards proposed. Despite the influx of hundreds of millions of dollars in CARES Act money, Edwards warns there will still have to be some cuts due to COVID-related revenue shortfalls.

Cut 13 (11) “amounts” 

The Legislature also approved a series of tax breaks for COVID-impacted businesses. Edwards says he has his concerns with passing tax breaks at a time when revenue is already suffering.

Cut 14 (09) “…go back”

Proponents of the tax breaks say they are necessary to save businesses on the brink right now financially.

Edwards also bemoaned the Legislature’s decision to pause a scheduled pay raise for state employees that would have cost about 60 million dollars.

Cut 15 (09) “…available”

Legislators expressed concern about the “optics” of passing a state pay raise while so many private-sector employees were out of work.

Legislative Report 06-30

The special session has concluded and many tort reform advocates are celebrating a deal cut in the final few hours of the session that led to the passage of a reform bill that supporters say will lower auto insurance rates.

The bill sets the jury trial threshold at 10,000 dollars, limits when insurance company’s names can be mentioned in court, removes a ban on mentioning a crash victim’s seatbelt status, and make other adjustments to collateral source, which appeared to be the biggest stumbling block in negotiations between the GOP and Governor

Crowley Representative John Stefanski calls it an important step forward…

Cut 4 (11)_ “…rates.”

But Baton Rouge Representative C. Denise Marcelle asked the question on everyone’s mind…

Cut 5 (07)  “…insurance”

Evangeline Parish Senator Heather Cloud celebrated the bill’s passage, saying it would help fix the ongoing crisis in commercial auto insurance markets.

Cut 6 (09) “…the books”

Edwards signaled his approval of the legislation, complementing Republicans for compromising.

Legislation blocking civil suits against schools for COVID outbreaks also passed and Governor Edwards says he intends to sign it.

The Legislature wrapped up work on the 34 billion dollar budget. Despite the influx of hundreds of millions of dollars in CARES Act money Edwards warns there will still have to be some cuts due to COVID-related revenue shortfalls.

Cut 13 (11) “amounts” 

Edwards indicated he is concerned about the revenue impact of a series of tax cuts for businesses that passed…

Cut 14 (09) “…go back”

5:30 PM Newscast

The special session has wrapped up.  Legislation passed with a veto-proof majority aimed at lower auto insurance rates, but there is no guarantee of a price break as the bill does not promise lower rates within an allotted time.  It’s less expansive than a previous tort reform bill vetoed by the Governor earlier this month.

Jefferson Parish will join Orleans in requiring people to put on a mask before entering a business. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

The state reported one-thousand new cases today as the state’s total case number surpassed 58-thousand. Governor John Bel Edwards’ next COVID-19 press briefing is tomorrow. Edwards has said he’s looking for more compliance from businesses. Assistant State Health Officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says the governor would rather see everyone do more when it comes to spread mitigation efforts, than returning the state to Phase one coronavirus restrictions…

Cut 13 (10) “…our reopening” 

According to the state health department, only 59% of those who tested positive from COVID-19 since mid-May have responded to phone calls from contact tracers and only one-third are answering calls within the crucial first 24 hours after the test results.  State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says there has been an uptick in the number of people paying attention to the advice of health officials with the recent upswing in cases.

Cut 7 (08) “…are going back up.”

4:30 PM Newscast

Louisiana reports an additional one-thousand new coronavirus cases on Tuesday as hospitalizations and deaths also continue to rise. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

According to the state health department, only 59% of those who tested positive from COVID-19 since mid-May have responded to phone calls from contact tracers.  Governor Edwards says there is a great appreciation for those that answer the phone and comply with contact tracers but he’s pressing for more cooperation.

Cut 8 (05) “…thing to do.”

Orleans and Jefferson Parish have issued mandatory mask-wearing ordinances for those visiting parish businesses. Jefferson Parish President Lee Sheng says their proclamation takes effect Wednesday and is the only way the parish will be able to one day move into Phase Three.
Cut 3 (08) ”…indoors  
Sheng says the parish is still working out the details of how it could be enforced, and what punishments would be handed out to businesses in violation.

Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart announces a grand jury has returned an indictment against eight Shreveport police officers for allegedly using excessive force against two men who were apprehended on January 24th.

Stewart says the eight men charged were booked and released on bond…

Cut 10 (11) “…those cases.”

The D-A’s report says the men who were beaten by Shreveport officers suffered injuries, including a broken nose and broken orbital plate

4:45 LRN Sportscast June 30

New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president David Griffin said today that three Pelicans players tested positive for COVID-19 last week. The unidentified players are in self-isolation and are tested daily. They need to have two negative tests before they can play. The 22 NBA teams that will resume their season in Orlando, must turn in a roster by the end of tomorrow. Griffin does not expect any Pelicans player not to play. 65-year-old head coach Alvin Gentry, who is a cancer survivor, also said he plans to be in Orlando with the team. But Griffin says Gentry’s status is to be determined.

ESPN announced today that former LSU defensive lineman Marcus Spears will appear daily on NFL Live when the network relaunch’s the show in August. The sports network also says Spears has signed a new multi-year ESPN extension. The Baton Rouge native says it’s a pinch myself moment to talk NFL five days a week.

LSU linebacker Marcel Brooks has told the Athletic his decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal is because of family. But he didn’t elaborate in an article written by Brody Miller. Brooks was expected to play a big role on the Tigers defense in 2020, but it appears he’ll look to continue his college career at a school closer to his Dallas home.

Former LSU safety Eric Monroe has reportedly decided to transfer to Texas Tech. Monroe was a highly rated defensive back out of the Houston area. In three seasons at LSU, Monroe had 21 tackles, most of those tackles occurred during his redshirt freshman season.

The Monroe News-Star reports Ruston High School has suspended football workouts for two weeks after a player tested positive for coronavirus.

3:30 PM Newscast

The state reported one-thousand new cases today as the state’s total case number surpassed 58-thousand. Assistant State Health Officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says COVID hospitalizations are at their highest level since May 28th…
Cut 11 (10) “…going up as well.”
The number of COVID patients hospitalized is 781 and the number of patients on ventilators is up to 83.
Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart announces a grand jury has returned an indictment against eight Shreveport police officers for allegedly using excessive force against two men who were apprehended on January 24th. Stewart says each officer is facing one count of malfeasance in office.
Cut 9 (08) “…about the case.”
A written report from Stewart’s office says dash camera video from a Caddo Parish Sheriff’s deputy vehicle shows the eight Shreveport police officers physically striking two individuals at the end of a police chase.

Jefferson Parish will join Orleans in requiring people to put on a mask before entering a business. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

According to the state health department, only 59% of those who tested positive from COVID-19 since mid-May have responded to phone calls from contact tracers and only one-third are answering calls within the crucial first 24 hours after the test results.  State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry…

Cut 6 (07) “…not having it.”

LRN PM Newscall June 30

Jefferson Parish will join Orleans in requiring people to put on a mask before entering a business. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Louisiana reports an additional one-thousand new coronavirus cases on Tuesday as hospitalizations and deaths also continue to rise. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng will require everyone inside a business, customers, and employees, to wear a mask as COVID-19 numbers continue to rise. Sheng says her proclamation takes effect Wednesday and she believes it’s the only way the parish will be able to move into Phase Three.

Cut 3 (08) ”…indoors  

Sheng says those who violate this order, could be fined up to 500-dollars. She’s requiring workers at businesses to wear face masks while in all common areas…

Cut 4 (12)_ “…mask off”

In New Orleans, Mayor Latoya Cantrell says she’s serious about mask-wearing and is not afraid to shut a business down who is in non-compliance

Cut 5 (09)  “…unfortunately”

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According to the state health department, only 59% of those who tested positive from COVID-19 since mid-May have responded to phone calls from contact tracers and only one-third are answering calls within the crucial first 24 hours after the test results.  State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry…

Cut 6 (07) “…not having it.”

Louisiana’s contact tracing efforts are facing some major hurdles in its work to combat the spread of COVID-19 including unanswered calls, privacy concerns, and distrust from elected officials.

Contact tracers call those who have tested positive, then call those that the individual has come into close contact with over the last two weeks.  The process is confidential.  Guidry says there has been an uptick in the number of people paying attention to the advice of health officials with the recent upswing in cases.

Cut 7 (08) “…are going back up.”

Governor Edwards says there is a great appreciation for those that answer the phone and comply with contact tracers but he’s pressing for more cooperation.

Cut 8 (05) “…thing to do.”

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Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart announces a grand jury has returned an indictment against eight Shreveport police officers for allegedly using excessive force against two men who were apprehended on January 24th. Stewart says each officer is facing one count of malfeasance in office

Cut 9 (08) “…about the case.”

A written report from Stewart’s office says dash camera video from a Caddo Parish Sheriff’s deputy vehicle shows the eight Shreveport police officers physically striking two individuals at the end of a police chase. Stewart says the eight men charged were booked and released on bond…

Cut 10 (11) “…those cases.”

The D-A’s report says the men who were beaten by Shreveport officers suffered injuries, including a broken nose and broken orbital plate. The charges against them, which included drug charges and resisting arrest have been dropped.

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The state reported one-thousand new cases today as the state’s total case number surpassed 58-thousand. Assistant State Health Officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says COVID hospitalizations are at their highest level since May 28th….

Cut 11 (10) “…going up as well.”

The number of COVID patients hospitalized is 781 and the number of patients on ventilators is up to 83. Kanter says 90-percent of the new cases is the result of community spread

Cut 12 (10) “…in spread”

Governor John Bel Edwards’ next COVID-19 press briefing is tomorrow. Edwards has said he’s looking for more compliance from businesses. Kanter says the governor would rather see everyone do more when it comes to spread mitigation efforts, than returning the state to Phase one coronavirus restrictions…

Cut 13 (10) “…our reopening” 

230 PM LRN News

The state logs just over another 1,000 positive COVID-19 tests. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says the growth in new cases over the past two weeks seems to have captured the public’s attention.

Cut 7 (08) “…are going back up.”

Guidry is also asking those who did test positive to please answer their phones when contact tracers call to ask about who they may have infected. Only 59% of those who tested positive from COVID-19 since mid-May have responded to phone calls from contact tracers.

Assistant State Health Officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says the contact tracing data they do have indicated 90 percent of new cases are the result of community spread.

Cut 12 (10) “…in spread”

 

The number of COVID patients hospitalized is up to 781.

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell threatens to close a city Walmart for not complying with an order mandating all people entering businesses wear a mask.

Cut 5 (09)  “…unfortunately”

Jefferson Parish is set to join Orleans Parish tomorrow in requiring mask-wearing while in businesses.

Any Louisianan planning on heading to New York or New Jersey for the 4th of July may have to change their plans. Both states are now urging travelers from a number of other states, Louisiana included, to self-quarantine for 14 days upon entry. New York and New Jersey were early epicenters of the pandemic but have seen cases drastically fall off. State health officials there say they don’t want travelers from growing hotspots to undo the progress they’ve made.

130 PM LRN News

Starting Wednesday people entering Jefferson Parish businesses will need to wear masks. Jefferson Parish President Lee Sheng says this now applies to workers inside office buildings when they are in common areas. Sheng explains how that might look…

Cut 4 (12)_ “…mask off”

In Orleans Parish Mayor Cantrell has already threatened to close one Walmart that was allegedly in gross non-compliance.

According to data from the state department of health, of those that have tested positive for COVID-19 since mid-may, only 59% have responded to phone calls from contact tracers. Governor Edwards says there is a great appreciation for those that answer the phone and comply with contact tracers but is pressing for more cooperation.

Cut 8 (05) “…thing to do.”

Only one-third are answering calls within the crucial first 24 hours after the test results. 

Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart announces a grand jury has returned an indictment against eight Shreveport police officers for allegedly using excessive force against two men who were apprehended on January 24th. A written report from Stewart’s office says dash camera video from a Caddo Parish Sheriff’s deputy vehicle shows the eight Shreveport police officers physically striking two individuals at the end of a police chase. Stewart says the eight men charged have been booked and released on bond…

Cut 10 (11) “…those cases.”

The D-A’s report says the men who were beaten by Shreveport officers suffered injuries, including a broken nose and broken orbital plate.

Louisiana records just over a thousand new COVID-19 cases today, with another large jump in total hospitalizations. The total number of cases now sits at over 58,000 but of them, over 42,000 have recovered.

12:30 Newscast

Louisiana chalks up just over a thousand new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the total to 58,095. Hospitalizations rise by 44 to 781.
According to data from the state department of health, of those that have tested positive for COVID-19 since mid-May, only 59% have responded to phone calls from contact tracers and only one-third are answering calls within the crucial first 24 hours after the test results.  State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry…
Cut 6 (07) “…not having it.”
Orleans and Jefferson Parish have issued mandatory mask-wearing ordinances for those visiting parish businesses as state case counts continue to rise at a concerning rate. Jefferson Parish President Lee Sheng says their proclamation takes effect Wednesday and is the only way the parish will be able to one day move into Phase Three.
Cut 3 (08) ”…indoors  
Sheng says the parish is still working out the details of how it could be enforced, and what punishments would be handed out to businesses in violation.

Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart announces a grand jury has returned an indictment against eight Shreveport police officers for allegedly using excessive force against two men who were apprehended on January 24th. Stewart says each officer is facing one count of malfeasance in office

Cut 9 (08) “…about the case.”

A written report from Stewart’s office says dash camera video from a Caddo Parish Sheriff’s deputy vehicle shows the eight Shreveport police physically striking two individuals at the end of a police chase.The D-A’s report says the men who were beaten by Shreveport officers suffered injuries, including a broken nose and broken orbital plate. The charges against them, which included drug charges and resisting arrest have been dropped.