LRN PM Newscall September 2

A Monroe Senator calls on high school football families to hold their local superintendent’s feet to the fire and support firm start dates for contact practices and the season. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Governor Edwards says the state continues to move people seeking shelter from Hurricane Laura into hotels. Brooke Thorington has more.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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16 of 23 Hurricane Laura damaged parishes have been approved for FEMA individual assistance. Ouachita, Vermilion, Rapides, Natchitoches, and Lincoln are among the parishes who are now eligible for aid that includes temporary housing and home repairs. Senator Bill Cassidy…

Cut 3 (09)  “…their feet”  

Governor Edwards says over 80-thousand Louisianans have applied for FEMA Individual assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or disaster-assistance-dot-gov.

After the 2016 south Louisiana flood, thousands of storm victims were hurt by duplication of benefits. They received government assistance in the early days of their recovery and were not eligible for other government aid that became available later. Cassidy doesn’t believe that will be an issue for Laura victims…

Cut 4 (10)“ …of benefits” 

Cassidy says he’ll tour hurricane-damaged areas in Lake Charles tomorrow. He also has staff talking with storm survivors about their biggest needs

Cut 5 (08)  “…as well”

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Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey Jr. asks high school football families to call their local superintendents and tell them to demand the LHSAA allow players to begin contact practices September 11th.

Cathey says also asks you to ask them to support the scheduled October 8th season start date. He says it’s not just about the players…

Cut 6 (11) “…events.”

Cathey says because the LHSAA is controlled by superintendents and principles local families can influence the football season decision.

LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonnie has said football games can not happen in Louisiana until the state reaches Phase 3 of its economic reopening, but Cathey argues our neighbors are already making it work…

Cut 7 (08) “…October”

The LHSAA has expressed concern about facing possible liability for COVID infections should they resume play too early, but Cathey disagrees.

Cut 8 (08) “…Louisiana”

On Tuesday Attorney General Jeff Landry weighed in saying liability concerns were unfounded.

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Governor John Bel Edwards highly encourages Louisianans affected by Hurricane Laura to file for FEMA assistance immediately so they can receive benefits in a timely manner. Sixteen parishes have now been approved for federal assistance. You can do so by going to disaster assistance dot gov.

Cut 9 (14) “don’t give up”

Edwards is not giving up either, he originally requested assistance for 26 parishes, and hopes that eventually all will be approved for funding.

The largest hurdles to rebuilding southwest Louisiana is restoring power and water to the area. Edwards says in some of the hardest-hit areas approximately 500 large transmission towers need to be restored and blocked roadways are huge obstacles.

Cut 10 (07) “…of those.”

Governor Edwards says so far, the state has taken in approximately 11,500 people seeking shelter from Hurricane Laura. Many registered initially at the Mega Shelter in Alexandria and then they are moved into hotels.

Cut 11 (12) “…all together”

If you need shelter assistance text LA Shelter to 898211.

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A New Orleans woman is arrested, accused of setting fire to her apartment building after being given an eviction notice earlier in the day.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the suspect, 25-year-old Jazlynn Major, was located and arrested in Huntsville, Texas.

Cut 12 (09) “…of aggravated arson.”

Witnesses tell investigators the suspect left her apartment around 8:40 Monday night and a glow could be seen from her window, but the glow grew brighter and they realized it was a fire.

The three-alarm blaze garnered the response of 70 firefighters.  Browning says 26 residents in 20 units left their apartments unharmed, but a pet died in the blaze.

Cut 13 (11) “…that did perish.”

Major could face between two to 20 years in prison if convicted.  Browning says the state has seen an uptick in arsons during the pandemic.

Cut 14 (06) “…with the demand.” 

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