8:30 LRN Newscast July 24

Governor John Bel Edwards has renewed the proclamation that extends Phase Two, which includes the statewide mask mandate and bar closures until August seventh. Edwards is once again asking residents to follow the mitigation measures that are in place…
cut 12 (10) “….do our part”
Edwards renewed his proclamation on a day Louisiana surpassed 100-thousand coronavirus cases. The state is reporting over 15-hundred COVID-19 hospitalizations and nearly 200 of those patients are on a ventilator. Several hospitals have suspended elective surgeries again. Our Lady of the Lourdes CMO in Lafayette Doctor Henry Kaufman…
cut 6 (11) “….differed”

The state is reporting they’ve sent 127-million dollars in federal coronavirus relief aid to local governments for reimbursement of COVID-related expenditures. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne…
Cut 7 (11) “…pandemic”
Other professional services and contracts for things like mental health counseling and financial consulting also applied.

The U-S Senate is about to begin debating the fifth coronavirus relief package, which will likely cost a trillion dollars. Senator John Kennedy expects there will be assistance for unemployed workers, but the benefits will not be at the same $600 per week level that it has been at.
Cut 13 (12) “…in their job.”
Not all Republican lawmakers are in agreement with the latest relief effort as some feel the cost is too much.

7:30 LRN Newscast July 24

The state is now reporting 101-thousand coronavirus cases, becoming the 12th state to surpass 100-thousand cases and the smallest to do so population wise. There are some who suggest Louisiana is double-counting cases for people who test positive multiple times. Edwards says that’s not happening and called it a disinformation campaign aimed at minimizing how serious the situation is…
cut 11 (09) “…saying
The number of people hospitalized in Louisiana is up to 15-hundred and those on ventilators is close to 200. Our Lady of the Lourdes C-M-O Doctor Henry Kaufman says staffing is getting stretched thin at their Lafayette Hospital…
cut 5 (11) “…an issue”

Senator John Kennedy says the Senate is working on another coronavirus relief package that would extend enhanced unemployment benefits that are about to expire. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Meanwhile, Louisiana’s Senior Senator Bill Cassidy is set to qualify today for re-election as he’s seeking a second term. Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins qualified yesterday providing Cassidy a serious challenger from the Democratic Party. Qualifying ends at 4:30 PM today.

6:45 LRN Sportscast July 24

LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine says they are discussing their options for a fall sports season based on the guidelines that have been established by the state legislature and BESE. Bonine also says it’s important to get school started and then figure out the athletics part…
cut 30 (12) “….format”
Bonine has said the state needs to move beyond Phase 3 of its reopening for high school football games to be played.

A shortened Major League Baseball season is underway as there were two games last night that saw Yankees and Dodgers both win last night. There’s a full slate of games today. There are nine former LSU Tigers on Major League Baseball rosters.

In college football news, the Pac-12 is reportedly planning a ten-game conference-only football schedule that would start on September 19th.

Nicholls has shared the Southland conference title the last two seasons and they are picked to finish third this year. Senior linebacker Evan Veron says he wants to complete his collegiate career with an outright Southland title
Cut 18 (14) “…all ours”
Northwestern State has been picked to finish in tenth place after winning just three games last season. But the Demons have one of the best linebackers in the Southland in Ja’Quay Pough. Pough has told his teammates to have fun this year…
cut 17 (21) “….fall into place”
Northwestern’s first game is versus U-I-W on September 3rd.

6:30 LRN Newscast July 24

Louisiana has surpassed 100-thousand coronavirus cases, becoming the 12th state to do so and the smallest state to reach the grim milestone. Governor John Bel Edwards…
cut 10 (09) “…reality check’
Edwards has signed the executive order that extends the statewide mask mandate, keeps bars closed and also keeps the state in Phase 2 of reopening through August 7th.

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says Republicans are discussing a fifth coronavirus relief package that would provide additional help for people out of work and also provide more money for public schools so they can safely reopen. But Kennedy says students should not be forced back into the classroom…
cut 14 (11) “….be forced to”

Healthcare capacity in the Acadiana region is running low as the coronavirus spreads through the community. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Tropical Storm Hanna has formed in the central Gulf of Mexico, eyeing a landfall near Corpus Christi, Texas, but it will bring rain to south Louisiana.

AM Newscall 07/23/2020

Healthcare capacity in the Acadiana region is running low as coronavirus spreads through the community like wildfire. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

Louisiana hit the 100,000 COVID case milestone Thursday. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

Senator John Kennedy believes the next coronavirus relief package advancing from the House to the Senate will extend unemployment benefits that are about to expire. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

______________________________

Healthcare officials in Acadiana warn the public that they are running out of regional healthcare capacity due to COVID-19 case growth.

Lafayette General Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Amanda Logue says their system hospitals and ICUs are full of COVID patients.

Cut 4 (11)_ “of them”

As of Thursday, the Lafayette General Health system had 143 COVID patients. That number was only 20 six weeks ago.

Our Lady of the Lourdes CMO Dr. Henry Kaufman says their healthcare workers have seen a 300 percent increase in cases in this second wave compared to the first wave.

Cut 5 (11)  “…an issue.”

Governor Edwards once again turned on the Bat-Signal for former medical workers to come out of retirement to relieve frontline healthcare workers who are overworked and catching the virus.

Logue and Kaufman told reporters Thursday that both systems have ceased doing elective surgeries.

Cut 6 (11) “…differed”

But Logue did add that all emergency operations are still happening and if you have an emergency do not hesitate to go to the hospital due to COVID.

_________________________

Local governments have been reimbursed 127 million dollars so far as part of the CARES Act.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the money did not reimburse revenue losses for local governments and only paid for COVID-related expenditures.

Cut 7 (11) “…pandemic”

Other professional services and contracts for things like mental health counseling and financial consulting also applied.

Dardenne says the bulk of the money reimbursed so far has gone to southern parishes hit hard in the early days like Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.

Cut 8 (10) “…parish”

Dardenne says it is interesting to note that 12 rural northern Louisiana parishes have not submitted an application for any reimbursements.

Cut 9 (11) “…parishes”

The funding comes from a 524 million dollar fund for local governments.

__________________________

Louisiana surpassed 100,000 total confirmed COVID positive cases since the pandemic began Thursday as the count continues to grow at a rapid pace.

Governor Edwards says that grim accomplishment should inspire residents to redouble their spread mitigation efforts.

Cut 10 (09) “…check.”

The state has also administered 1.1 million tests as well.

A conspiracy theory questioning whether that figure includes multiple tests from one person is gaining steam. Edwards called it a disinformation campaign aimed at minimizing how serious the situation is.

Cut 11 (09) “…saying”

Edwards’ Phase Two order will be extended Friday for another two weeks with added restrictions on bars and the mask mandate. He says it’s the only way we can get back to a sense of normalcy.

Cut 12 (10) “…part” 

_______________________

The U-S Senate is about to begin debating the fifth coronavirus relief package, which will likely come with a trillion-dollar price tag.  Senator John Kennedy expects there will be additional help for unemployment compensation, but it will not be at the same $600 per week level that it has been at.

Cut 13 (12) “…in their job.” 

Not all Republican lawmakers are in agreement with the latest relief effort as some feel the cost is too much with a national debt that continues to climb.

Kennedy anticipates there will also be additional money for helping reopen K-12 schools in a safe manner, but he doesn’t believe students should be forced back into the classroom.

Cut 14 (11) “…be forced to (x2).”

Kennedy is pushing a measure for local and state governments who have previously money in past coronavirus relief bills, to have more autonomy with how that money is spent, including use for operating expenses not linked to COVID-19.

Cut 15 (09) “…get 90+ votes.” 

_________________________________________

After winning three games last season, expectations are not high for Northwestern State to have a big season on the football field this year. The Southland Conference preseason poll has the Demons finishing 10th in the eleven team league. Northwestern will start a new quarterback, but Coach Brad Laird says he has three talented players that can win the job

Cut 16 (23) “…leadership standpoint.” 

Kaleb Fletcher, Bryce Rivers and Zachry Clement are the three guys battling to be the starter in 2020. On defense, Northwestern State will be led by senior linebacker Ja’Quay Pough, who recorded 101 tackles last season. Pugh has told his teammates to have fun

Cut 17  (21) “…fall into place” 

________________________________________________

Nicholls has shared the conference title the last two season and they are picked to finish third this year. Senior linebacker Evan Veron says he wants to complete his collegiate career with an outright Southland title

Cut 18  (14) “…all ours”   

Nicholls is also searching for a new quarterback. Coach Tim Rebowe says he has four Q-Bs on the roster who will compete to replace the school’s all-time leading passer Chase Fourcade. Rebowe says they also have a lot of talented skill position players to surround their new quarterback

cut 19 (18) “…can do”  

5:30 PM Newscast

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins officially qualifies to challenge Senator Bill Cassidy.  Perkins, a Democrat says his decision to run rose from the concerns he has about how Congress is handling the coronavirus pandemic and this moment calls for strong, decisive leadership in DC.
Cut 3 (11)  “…to happen again.”  
The primary election is November 3rd.
The National Hurricane Center says a tropical depression heading towards Texas has the potential to produce heavy rains in Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the potential tropical storm could produce about an inch of rain for central Louisiana through Monday, two to four inches along the I-10 corridor and four inches along the coast…
Cut 8 (09) “…umbrella’s handy”
The forecast calls for the depression to strengthen into a tropical storm tomorrow morning and make landfall on Saturday between Houston and Brownsville, Texas.

Ochsner plans to double its COVID testing capacity over the next six weeks in an effort to reduce test result wait times to 24 hours. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says right now their patients are waiting up to four days for results, and the surge in demand for COVID tests that is creating the backlog is partially due to the increase in a-symptomatic patient testing, but…
Cut 14 (12) “…virus.”
The state health department reports one-point-one million tests have been completed since the pandemic started.

In an open letter to parents and student-athletes, LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine says there are no plans to cancel fall sports and they are committed to a safe start for fall sports…
Cut 10 (12) “…format.”
Bonine has said the state needs to move beyond Phase 3 of its reopening in order for high school football games to be played.

4:30 PM Newscast

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins officially qualified for the U-S Senate race today, providing Republican incumbent Bill Cassidy with a serious challenger. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

A tropical depression in the gulf that’s headed for Texas is expected to dump a lot of rain on south Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says as the system moves south of us, it will increase wind speeds in south Louisiana.

Cut 7 (08) “right now”

Ochsner plans to double its COVID testing capacity over the next six weeks in an effort to reduce test result wait times to 24 hours. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says the new testing equipment will be coming in a variety of packages.
Cut 13 (10) “…minutes” 
The state health department reports one-point-one million tests have been completed since the pandemic started.

LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine has sent a letter to parents and student-athletes letting them know they have no intention of canceling fall sports, unless the pandemic dictates it’s not safe to play. Bonine says they are committed to conducting fall sports

Cut 9 (12) “…not acceptable.”

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans had an easy time cutting down the Brooklyn Nets last night in their first scrimmage since entering the NBA’s bubble in Orlando. Brandon Ingram had 12 points in 11 minutes in a 99-68 win. There’s still no timetable on when Zion Williamson will return as he attends to a family matter. The Pels say Williamson has been getting tested daily for COVID-19 and does plan on rejoining the team. New Orleans next scrimmage game is Saturday night versus Denver.

The Sun Belt announced today that the start of the fall sports season has been postponed until September 3rd. The league says the delay will give schools more time to implement protocols for a safe return to competition.

The shortened Major League Baseball Season begins tonight with the Nationals hosting the Yankees and the Dodgers taking on the Giants. Washington star Juan Soto has tested positive for COVID-19, so he’s out.
The Ivy League, Patriot League, the MEAC and SWAC have made the decision to postpone the start of their football seasons. But Southland Conference Commissioner Tom Burnett says they plan to play in the fall…
cut 20 (10) “…lies’
Nicholls needs a new season-opening opponent as they were set to play Mississippi Valley State. Louisiana Tech will face Houston Baptist in its home opener. They will take the place of Prarie View A-and-M.

In an open letter to parents and student-athletes, LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine says there are no plans to cancel fall sports and they are committed to a safe start for fall sports…
cut 10 (12) “…format”
Bonine has said the state needs to move beyond Phase 3 of its reopening in order for high school football games to be played.

3:30 PM Newscast

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins officially qualifies to challenge Senator Bill Cassidy.  Perkins, a Democrat, says DC is moving too slow in helping families and cites legislation sent from the House to the Senate over two months ago that would have provided much-needed relief to working families.

Cut 4 (11)_ “that they have.”

 

A tropical depression in the gulf that’s headed for Texas is expected to dump a lot of rain on south Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the soon-to-be Tropical Storm Hannah will make for a wet next few days.

Cut 6 (06) “…days”

Keim says as the system moves south of us, it will increase wind speeds in south Louisiana.

 

Ochsner plans to double its COVID testing capacity over the next six weeks in an effort to reduce test result wait times to 24 hours.  Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says they’re currently running 2,500 to 3,000 tests a day, but it’s taking two to four days to get results back to patients.
Cut 12 (10) “…a day” 
The state health department reports one-point-one million tests have been completed since the pandemic started.

LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine has sent a letter to parents and student-athletes letting them know they have no intention of canceling fall sports, unless the pandemic dictates it’s not safe to play. Bonine has said the state needs to move beyond Phase 3 of its reopening for high school football games to be played. He encourages the public to follow the safety guidelines that have been established to prevent the spread of the virus

Cut 11 (08) “fall sports”

LRN PM Newscall July 23

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins officially qualified for the U-S Senate race today, providing Republican incumbent Bill Cassidy with a serious challenger. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

The status of high school sports in the fall is on the mind of many. Jeff Palermo reports the LHSAA does not have a plan yet, but they’ve reached one conclusion…

cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins officially qualifies to challenge Senator Bill Cassidy.  Perkins, a Democrat says his decision to run rose from the concerns he has about how Congress is handling the coronavirus pandemic and this moment calls for strong, decisive leadership in DC.

Cut 3 (11)  “…to happen again.”  

Perkins says DC is moving too slow in helping families and cites legislation sent from the House to the Senate over two months ago that would have provided much-needed relief to working families.

Cut 4 (11)_ “that they have.”

Perkins was asked where he stands on abortion.

Cut 5 (12)  “…within that snapshot.”
______________________

A tropical depression in the gulf that’s headed for Texas is expected to dump a lot of rain on south Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the soon-to-be Tropical Storm Hannah will make for a wet next few days.

Cut 6 (06) “…days”

Keim says as the system moves south of us, it will increase wind speeds in south Louisiana.

Cut 7 (08) “right now”

Keim says the potential tropical storm could produce about an inch of rain for central Louisiana through Monday, two to four inches along the I-10 corridor and four inches along the coast…

Cut 8 (09) “…umbrella’s handy”

The National Hurricane Center projects the depression will strengthen into a tropical storm tomorrow morning and make landfall on Saturday between Houston and Brownsville, Texas.

___________________________________________

LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine has sent a letter to parents and student-athletes letting them know they have no intention of canceling fall sports, unless the pandemic dictates it’s not safe to play. Bonine says they are committed to conducting fall sports

Cut 9 (12) “…not acceptable.”

Bonine says they are discussing their options based on the guidelines that have been established by the state legislature and BESE. He also says it’s important to get school started and then figure out the athletics part

Cut 10 (12) “…format.”

Bonine has said the state needs to move beyond Phase 3 of its reopening for high school football games to be played. He encourages the public to follow the safety guidelines that have been established to prevent the spread of the virus

Cut 11 (08) “fall sports”

___________________________

Ochsner plans to double its COVID testing capacity over the next six weeks in an effort to reduce test result wait times to 24 hours.

Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says they’re currently running 2,500 to 3,000 tests a day, but it’s taking two to four days to get results back to patients.

Cut 12 (10) “…a day” 

The state health department reports one-point-one million tests have been completed since the pandemic started.

Hart says the new testing equipment will be coming in a variety of packages.

Cut 13 (10) “…minutes” 

Hart says the surge in demand for COVID tests that is creating the backlog is partially due to the increase in a-symptomatic patient testing, but…

Cut 14 (12) “…virus.”

A-symptomatic testing is being conducted at Ochsner community sites, while only symptomatic patients are being tested in Ochsner ERs and urgent cares.