The state announces 41 new COVID-19 hospitalizations today, the largest jump in since April, bringing the total to 630. The total case count surpasses 50,000 and total deaths surpass 3,000. Governor Edwards will address whether the state can move into Phase 3, today at 2:30.

Tulane researchers develop a potential synthetic antibody treatment that could provide COVID immunity for one to two weeks at a time. Matt Doyle has the story.

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A Senate-approved bill that would provide an 83-million dollar tax break over five years for the state’s casinos and race tracks moved closer to final passage as the House Ways and Means Committee approved it today. Crowley Representative John Stefanski voiced his support for the bill and the gaming industry.
Cut 3 (11) ”…good idea”  
Saturday was the first day of early voting for the July 11th Presidential Preference Primary and election officials say they’ve already received 48-thousand mail-in ballots. Anyone who is at a high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, caring for a high-risk person, or experiencing COVID symptoms, can also request an absentee ballot. Louisiana’s presidential primary is not the only item on the ballot for the July 11th. There are also local races in 24 parishes and party committee positions. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says more than 116-thousand absentee ballots have been requested and adds returning your ballot is simple…
Cut 11 (04) “…voters office.”

The state sees its biggest single-day increase in COVID hospitalizations since April as 41 additional Hospitalizations are reported. We’ve also added 461 total new COVID positive tests to the rolls crossing us over the 50,000 total positive tests mark, along with 11 new deaths which brings total fatalities to over 3,000. These numbers are likely to weigh heavily on Governor Edwards’ and his 230 PM announcement on whether the state will move on into Phase Three.

At least 100 of the new cases added in recent days have been tied to a super spreading event in Tigerland, a cluster of bars in Baton Rouge popular with LSU students. A Sports Illustrated report says at least 30 LSU football players have been isolated after they either tested positive for COVID-19 or had contact with players who tested positive, with some of the players admitting they went to Tigerland recently. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says players have to stay away from large crowds…

Cut 4 (06)_ “….inexcusable really”

The Department of Health is aiming to prevent crisis situations with the launch of the Behavioral Health Recovery Outreach Line. Assistant secretary of the Office of Behavioral Health Karen Stubbs says the hotline model is one that has proven to be an effective resource for those with mental health disorders. Calls received range from those having a tough day to those self-identifying the warning signs of mental or emotional changes.

Cut 7 (07) “…to the caller.”

The phone number is 1-833-333-1132.

Tulane researchers develop a synthetic antibody treatment for COVID-19 that’s shown promising results in lab mice. Tulane Internal Medicine Chair Dr. Jay Kolls says their protein, MDR504, is able to get into the lungs and neutralize coronavirus in the place where it is most likely to do damage.

Cut 12 (06) “…cells”

They hope to have human trials in fall.

Governor Edwards will announce whether or not the state will move into Phase Three this afternoon. Brooke Thorington has the story.

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Laine Hardy, the Livingston Parish singer and songwriter who won American Idol last year, announces he has contracted COVID-19. The 19-year-old says the symptoms are mild and he is now at home recovering in quarantine.

The Department of Health is aiming to prevent crisis situations with the launch of the Behavioral Health Recovery Outreach Line. Assistant secretary of the Office of Behavioral Health Karen Stubbs says this line is aimed at relapse prevention in those struggling with stress during the pandemic.

Cut 6 (12) “…or co-occurring disorders.”

The phone number is 1-833-333-1132.

Saturday was the first day of early voting for the July 11th Presidential Preference Primary and election officials say they’ve already received 48-thousand mail-in ballots. Anyone who is at a high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, caring for a high-risk person, or experiencing COVID symptoms, can also request an absentee ballot. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says more than 116-thousand absentee ballots have been requested…

Cut 10 (08) “…July 10th.”

Governor Edwards will announce whether the state will move into Phase Three this afternoon at his 230 press conference. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says this will be a tough call for Edwards because the state is now facing a notable uptick in the number of new cases being reported in the last ten days, along with a super spreading event in a cluster of Baton Rouge bars, and what appears to be a public who is slacking on their spread mitigation behavior…

Cut 14 (10) “…relaxing.”

And we now know that super spreading event at the Tigerland bars in Baton Rouge is likely responsible in part for the quarantining of about 30 LSU football players. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says Coach O might have to fully ban any players from entering bars now…

Cut 5 (11)  “ keep you safe” 

A survey of southerners shows opinions are beginning to change on the root nature of why African Americans suffer disproportionately worse economic, health, and educational outcomes. GBAO Strategies Pollster Jim Gerstein says for the first time in a major survey a majority of respondents feel that blacks suffer worse economic outcomes due to historical racial policy rather than poor personal choices.

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Governor John Bel Edwards is encouraging Louisiana residents to be counted as part of the 2020 census. Edwards says you need to get to filling out your form so that your area is not undercounted when it comes time for redistricting…

Cut 12 (10) “…information back in.”

Due to COVID-19, the deadline to fill out the census has been extended until October 31^st and can be done at My2020Census.gov.

Governor John Bel Edwards has scheduled a 2:30 press conference today to announce whether the state can move from Phase 2 to Phase 3 in the reopening of the economy following the COVID-19 shutdown. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says based on the White House guidelines, Phase 3 would loosen capacity restrictions even more and allow for larger gatherings…
cut 15 (10) “…Phase Two”

Governor John Bel Edwards is encouraging Louisiana residents to fill out the 2020 census form. Edwards says the state’s response rate is lagging.
Cut 10 (11) “…the deep south.”
The deadline to fill out the census has been extended until October 31st and can be done at My2020Census.gov.

Saturday was the first day of early voting for the July 11th Presidential Preference Primary and election officials say they’ve already received 48-thousand mail-in ballots. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says for this election, Louisiana has expanded the acceptable reasons for eligible voters to request an absentee ballot
Cut 9 (11)_ “…to self-quarantine.”
Pollster John Couvillon says the 48-thousand mail-in votes is the highest first-day mail in volume dating back to 2008.

A Sports Illustrated report says at least 30 LSU football players have been isolated after they either tested positive for COVID-19 or had contact with players who tested positive. Some of the quarantined players admitted they visited nightclubs near LSU’s campus, which has been the source for over 100 new cases. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says players have to stay away from large crowds…
Cut 4 (06)_ “….inexcusable really”
LSU says none of the players who tested positive for COVID-19 have been hospitalized.

Governor John Bel Edwards holds a press conference at 2:30 today, where he is expected to announce whether or not the state will move into Phase Three, which will reduce restrictions on businesses even more. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says Edwards has a lot to consider given our new upward trajectory of case growth…
Cut 13 (12) “…making.”
A majority of the state’s health regions are seeing a growth in new cases.

Several LSU football players have reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 and at least 30 of them have been asked to isolate themselves. Three Ragin Cajuns athletes have also tested positive. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says this will not stop schools from trying to start the football season in September…
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LSU says the players who have tested positive are showing minor symptoms or no symptoms at all.

An E Pluribus Unum survey shows a majority of southern whites do not believe blacks have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Matt Doyle has more.
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Today at the state capitol, the full Senate will debate a tort reform bill that supporters say will lead to lower auto insurance rates by making changes to the state’s civil litigation system. Governor Edwards rejected a similar proposal passed in the regular session, the bill that’s been advancing in the special session has been tweaked and lawmakers will look to pass it with a veto-proof majority.

Governor John Bel Edwards will hold a press conference at 2:30 this afternoon and he’s expected to announce whether the state will move into Phase Three of the economic recovery. On Saturday the state reported more than 800 new COVID-19 cases and on Sunday the number was below 400 and only one new death.

The governor is urging residents to participate in the 2020 US Census. Kevin Barnhart has more.
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Sports Illustrated reports several members of the LSU football team have tested positive for COVID-19 and at least 30 members have been asked to quarantine. Some of the cases are apparently connected to a cluster of cases tied to several bars just off-campus. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says LSU worked hard to provide a safe environment for players and Coach Ed Orgeron might be forced to prohibit his players from entering bars…
cut 5 (11) “…keep you safe”
None of the players who tested positive have been hospitalized.

E Pluribus Unum paid for an 18-hundred person survey that found a majority of white respondents, 51-percent now attribute poverty to a lack of opportunity rather than poor life choices. Pollster Jim Gerstein says this appears to be the first time a majority of whites have expressed that opinion.

The Phase Two reopening order expires Friday and this afternoon Governor Edwards will announce whether or not the state will move into Phase Three. Brooke Thorington has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The LSU football team’s voluntary workout program continues, even though Sports Illustrated reports at least 30 players are self quarantining after they either tested positive for COVID-19 or had contact with players who tested positive. Some of the cases are tied to a cluster of cases linked from people who visited Tigerland bars.

A survey of southerners shows over 75-percent of white respondents have heard from the media that blacks are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, but the majority don’t believe it. GBAO Strategies Pollster Jim Gerstein…
Cut 7 (08) “…true”
In Louisiana, 53 percent of COVID deaths have been African Americans, who make up just 32 percent of the population.

Governor Edwards says only 56-percent of Louisiana households have participated in the census, the lowest percentage in the Deep South. Edwards says the census is used to determine the allocation of federal dollars for various programs…
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The deadline to complete the census is October 31st and it can be done at my-20-20-census-dot-gov.