4:45 LRN Sportscast July 27

The Saints announced today that the team has signed its four member draft class, including first round pick, offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz, from Michigan. The veterans are set to report for training camp tomorrow, but they must test negative for COVID three times over a four day period, before they are allowed inside the team’s training facility in Metairie.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees continues to give back to the community. The Brees Dream Foundation has made a five-million dollar donation to Ochsner, so that the health system can build community health centers in underserved communities in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. In March, Brees and his wife donated five million dollars so that meals can be served to families impacted by COVID-19.

The Pelicans have their final scrimmage tonight versus San Antonio before the season re-starts on Thursday. Zion Williamson is back after attending to a family emergency, but he’s in quarantine, so he’s expected to return to the court tomorrow or Wednesday.

Two Major League Baseball games will not be played tonight because of a COVID-19 outbreak involving the Miami Marlins. Miami was scheduled to host Baltimore tonight for their home opener, but the Marlins remain in Philadelphia after several players and a couple of coaches tested positive for COVID-19. Over the weekend, Miami won two of three from Philadelphia and the Phillies were set to host the Yankees tonight. That game will not be played, so they can scrub down the visiting the clubhouse. Major League Baseball owners held a regularly scheduled conference call today, but there was no talk about cancelling the season.

Even if there is a season, will Asros Ace Justin Verlander take the mound again? Verlander is dealing with a forearm strain and he’ll be re-evaluated in two weeks. There was a report that Verlander would miss the rest of the season after pitching last Friday. Tonight the Astros host Seattle.

Also Texas Rangers pitcher Corey Kluber has a grade two tear of his shoulder muscle and he’ll miss four weeks. Surgery is not expected.

230 PM LRN News

The State Treasury Department will begin accepting applications for the Main Street Recovery Program, a grant program aimed at COVID-impacted small businesses, starting tomorrow at 9 AM. State Treasurer John Schroder expects the program be over its funding capacity in the first ten days because 275 million dollar program isn’t a lot of money in a state of 457,000 small businesses…

Cut 5 (10)  “…interest.”

The money will be sent out on a first-come-first-served basis.

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 product is being shipped from mystery sources in China and Eastern Europe, and authorities will come to you to handle the disposal of the mystery seeds.

Cut 8 (05) “…up these seeds”

Former Vernon Parish Sheriff and former State Representative Frank Howard has died at the age of 81 due to complications from COVID-19. Jeff Palermo has more.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell orders a business to close due to violation of public health orders related to COVID. It’s anyone’s guess as to when Willie’s Chicken Shack locations can reopen…

Cut 10 (10) “…there”

LRN PM Newscall July 27

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 more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle  

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Former Vernon Parish Sheriff and former State Representative Frank Howard has died at the age of 81 due to complications from COVID-19. Jeff Palermo has more.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Application for a state-run grant program for small businesses impacted by the pandemic begins tomorrow.

Eligible businesses can receive up to 15,000 dollars in reimbursement for expenses incurred during the shutdown. State Treasurer John 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 program kicks off tomorrow at 9 AM. Schroder says the application process is online only.

Cut 4 (10)_ “dot com”

The money will be sent out on a first-come-first-served basis.

Schroder says the 275 million dollar program isn’t a lot of money in a state of 457,000 small businesses…

Cut 5 (10)  “…interest.”

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

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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.”

Strain says he’s been in contact with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service about the issue.  He adds 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.

Cut 8 (05) “…up these seeds”

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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.

Details were limited but the Mayor indicated it will be a lengthy closure for the non-compliant business.

Cut 10 (10) “…there”

Cantrell says the shutdown sends the message that the city is serious about enforcing its COVID health guidelines and orders.

Cut 11 (07) “comply”

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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.  Craft says Howard became a fixture in the area’s political circle.

Cut 13 (11) “…in our area.” 

Craft says Howard had a soft spot in his heart for the elderly community.  As Sherrif, Howard started the triad program to assist seniors with their health transportation needs.

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.

1:30 LRN Newscast July 27

Starting tomorrow small businesses can apply for up to 15-thousand dollars in grant money through the state’s Main Street Recovery Program. Louisiana Treasurer John Schroder on where to apply…
cut 4 (10) “…dot com”
The state legislature has set aside 275-million dollars and for the first 21 days grants will be given to businesses who didn’t receive federal assistance or insurance payments as a result of COVID-19.

Former Vernon Parish Sheriff and 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 who was constantly involved in the community.
Cut 12 (09) “…best he could.”
Howard served three terms in the state legislature before term limits forced him out last year.

A study indicates more than one in six Louisiana workers hate their boss. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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.

12:30 PM Newscast

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.
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. Over 2,300 new COVID-19 cases have been reported by the state today.

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  

11:40 LRN Sportscast July 27

NFL players report for training camp this week and plan to kick-off the regular season on time. But what about college football?…
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart

The NFL and college football are watching what is going on with M-L-B and the Miami Marlins. Eight Marlin players and two coaches have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total to 14 cases involving the team in recent days. Miami’s home opener tonight has been postponed.

The Saints and other NFL teams begin training camp tomorrow. ESPN reports that according to new protocols, a player who contracts the coronavirus through “high-risk” activity away from team facilities can face team discipline and might not even get paid when in quarantine.

The Brees Dream Foundation has donated five million dollars to Ochsner so that the healthcare system can build health centers in underserved communities in New Orelans and Baton Rouge. In March, Brittany and Drew Brees donated five-million dollars to help feed families impacted by the COVID-19 shutdown.

The New Orleans Pelicans have their final scrimmage game tonight before the re-start. The Pels face the Bucks tonight at 7 PM in a game that can be seen on Fox Sports New Orleans. Zion Williamson can begin practicing with the team tomorrow after returning to the bubble last week. The Pels re-start the season on Thursday against Utah.

1130 AM LRN News

Application for a state-run grant program for small businesses impacted by the pandemic begins tomorrow. Eligible businesses can receive up to 15,000 dollars in reimbursement for expenses incurred during the shutdown. State Treasurer John Schroder calls it no strings attached, and expansive…

Cut 3, 6 seconds, 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.”

Strain says he’s been in contact with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service about the issue.

A study from the career website Zippia polled 2,000 people nationwide to find out how likable their bosses are and the top things they hate about their bosses.  Head of content at Zippia Kathy Morris says the study indicates physical proximity is a factor as the further away a boss is, there is an increased chance that a worker will dislike them.

Cut 12 (10) “…hate your boss.”

SEC presidents and athletic directors will hold a series of virtual meetings this week to discuss fall sports plans. College football insider Brett McMurphy says because so many states are struggling to contain the coronavirus, it’s unlikely the college football season will kick off Labor Day weekend

Cut 13 (07) “…early October” 

The PAC-12 and Big 10 have already made the decision to play conference only football schedules this season. 

10:30 AM Newscast

The ACLU is looking for Louisianans who feel they were the victim of racist policing to help them file lawsuits challenging discriminatory policies. ACLU Louisiana Legal Director Nora Ahmed says if you are concerned about coming forward because it could lead to retaliation from law enforcement, your initial statement will remain confidential…
Cut 6 (09) “..fears”
This includes racially motivated traffic stops, searches, seizures, detainments, and incidents where police dogs were used to assault people on racial grounds.

With schools set to resume soon, state health officials are concerned many children are not up to date on their vaccinations. During the early portion of the pandemic, many elective medical procedures were put on hold and State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says that dropped the rate of vaccinations.

Cut 7 (05) “…had a pandemic.”

SEC presidents and athletic directors will hold a series of virtual meetings this week to discuss fall sports plans. College football insider Brett McMurphy says because so many states are struggling to contain the coronavirus, it’s unlikely the college football season will kick off Labor Day weekend

Cut 13 (07) “…early October” 

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said earlier this month that the league will make an announcement in late July on whether it can start the season on time.

A study from the career website Zippia indicates more than one in six Louisiana workers hate their boss. Head of content at Zippia Kathy Morris says the study also shows physical proximity is a factor, as the further away a boss is, there is an increased chance that a worker will dislike them.
Cut 12 (10) “…hate your boss.”

9:30 LRN Newscast July 27

The ACLU of Louisiana would like to hear from you if you feel you’ve been the victim of racist policing. ACLU Louisiana Legal Director Nora Ahmed says they’re looking to compile data and to use those racially-based law enforcement interactions to challenge discriminatory departments in court.
Cut 5 (12) “…policing”
The initiative is part of ACLU Louisiana’s Justice Lab project that includes the participation of 35 law firms.

We’re 40 days away from the first full Saturday of college football, but there’s doubt it will happen on time. The PAC-12 and Big 10 have made the decision to play conference only football schedules and college football insider Brett McMurphy says expects the ACC, the Big 12 and SEC do the same…
cut 15 (08) “….to ten”

A study indicates more than one in six Louisiana workers hate their boss. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The state reported yesterday that COVID-19 hospitalizations declined by 43 since Friday and the number of patients on ventilators dropped by 13. The first significant decline since mid-June. The number of COVID-19 deaths increased by 51 over the weekend to a statewide total of 3,651.

8:30 LRN Newscast July 27

If you feel a law enforcement officer treated you unfairly based on your race, the ACLU would like to hear from you. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

An arrest warrant has been issued for a Monroe Police officer accused of excessive force during the arrest of 40-year-old Timothy Williams on April 21st. Williams says he was punched and kicked by two officers while he was in handcuffs. The city of Monroe say the two arresting officers are on administrative leave and an arrest warrant has been issued for one of the arresting officers.

We’re 40 days away from the first full Saturday of college football games and there’s doubt the season will start on time. College football insider Brett McMurphy says there’s a concern for community spread when students return to campus…
cut 14 (09) “….live in a bubble”
The SEC presidents and atheltic directors are expected to meet several times this week and the planning talks are expected to stretch into the first week of August.

A study from the career website Zippia polled 2,000 people nationwide to find out how likable their bosses are and the top things they hate about their bosses. Head of content at Zippia Kathy Morris says in Louisiana, 18-percent of workers disliked their boss.
Cut 10 (10) “…bosses in Louisiana..”
Nationally, the most disliked traits about bosses were micromanaging, never being available, and incompetence.