Updated LRN Am Newscall July 15

School districts that refuse to implement BESE’s minimum requirements for reopening like the mask mandate could get sued. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Eligible Louisiana frontline workers can apply for a $250 COVID-19 rebate beginning today. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Vice President Mike Pence continued to hammer the fact that kids need to be back in the classroom on schedule for the fall semester during Tuesday’s visit to Baton Rouge. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has approved a list of public health rules for public schools to safely reopen and it calls for masks inside the classroom.  The Governor signed legislation giving schools protection from COVID-related suits, but State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says that protection can be lost if they reject BESE’s guidelines.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…ability.”

The adopted minimum safety standard approved by BESE means every adult and student over 3rd grade must be masked up while on school grounds.

Not everyone is happy about the mandate. Louisiana parent Melissa Berry that masks are a hindrance to education.

Cut 5 (09)  “…taught.”

State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter says without mitigation measures like the mask mandate student’s return to school won’t last long.

Cut 6 (13) “…closures.”

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The Louisiana Department of Revenue begins accepting applications for a rebate available to front line essential employees today.  Secretary of Revenue Kimberly Robinson says there is a broad range of eligible Louisiana residents can apply for the $250 COVID-19 rebate.

Cut 7 (12) “…did the work.”

Applications can be submitted online at FrontlineWorkers.la.gov or can be done by mail with a printable form found on the website.

Robinson says workers would have to have worked at least 200 hours from March 22 through May 14 in an eligible position.

Cut 8 (11) “…the prior year.”

Robinson says submitted info will then be verified through tax records and the Workforce Commission.

Cut 9 (11) “…paper check issued.”

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On a day when Louisiana reported 22-hundred more coronavirus cases, Vice President Mike Pence expressed confidence that the state will slow down the spread of the virus. Pence encouraged Louisiana residents to listen to the guidance from state officials and that means wearing a mask in public…

Cut 10 (08) “…do it again.”

Pence flew into Baton Rouge Tuesday morning and held a roundtable discussion at LSU’s Tiger Stadium that included Governor Edwards, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and higher education leaders. The V-P stressed the importance of getting kids  back in the classroom

Cut 11 (12) “…reopen their schools.”

Members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation were also on hand. Congressman Steve Scalise also discussed the importance of getting kids back in the classroom

Cut 12 (12) “…in school.” 

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron also participated in the roundtable discussion and said the United States needs a 2020 college football season. Pence agrees…

Cut 13 (12) “…love football” 

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Today should wrap up the state’s current run of excessive temps.  Heat indexes have been between 105 and 115 over the last few days.  State Climatologist Barry Keim warns that heat index values in this range can be extremely dangerous.

Cut 14 (09) “…particularly heat sensitive.”

Keim says by the time tomorrow rolls around, the temps and heat index should become a little bit more seasonable as a very persistent heatwave spanning from Louisiana to Arizona begins to weaken and the state will go back to more typical kinds of weather.

Cut 15 (12) “…half a notch.” 

Keim says Louisiana is basically at the climatic peak in terms of temps and heat index values.

Cut 16 (07) “…smart about it.”