AM Newscall 09-03-2020

LSU has reported 366 COVID-19 cases since August 15th.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Calcasieu and Cameron Parish residents will have to wait for another two to three weeks to get the power turned on in their homes. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Hurricane Laura has opened the door for unlicensed contractors to make a quick buck without doing the work they were hired to do.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (27)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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LSU interim president Thomas Galligan says the university has reported 366 COVID-19 cases since August 15th.  In addition to a symptom tracker feature, Galligan says the LSU website has a COVID dashboard that will be updated Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 4 PM with the latest data.

Cut 4 (10)“ …from a person.” 

Videos have surfaced of large student parties.  Galligan says he has seen the clips and he says the school is investigating them and if it is a student organization putting together events, there will be repercussions from the school.  Galligan says right now, four student organizations are in the conduct process.

Cut 5 (10)  “…of organizational misconduct.”

Galligan says no single number defines whether to classes will go fully remote, but there will be an analysis of various metrics including student and faculty positive tests, plus faculty and staff absenteeism, just to name a few.

Cut 6 (12) “…in the area (2x).”

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Entergy expects it will be another two to three weeks before power can be restored to most of Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes.

Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May says the infrastructure damage sustained in those two parishes was substantial.

Cut 7 (08) “…destroyed”

Work is ongoing to restore at least one of the lines so that power can be directed around the two parishes.

May says you’ll likely start seeing the lights come on soon than that at some nearby water plants, urgent cares, and other strategic locations.

Cut 8 (09) “…locations”

May says the company is working with local elected leaders to identify locations with the highest priority.

The industry vet has been with Entergy for 35 years and says they’ve only ever had 560 towers down statewide at one time. After Laura in Cameron and Calcasieu alone…

Cut 9 (08) “…the ground.”

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The state is pushing to sign up more poll workers ahead of the upcoming November 3rd election.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says to qualify you have to be a registered voter in Louisiana who does not need assistance, able to attend a training course, be at least 17 years old, and have availability…

Cut 10 (07) “…voting”

Ardoin says early voting workers don’t have to work all seven days, but need to be able to work most of the days.

Ardoin says this year the risks associated with exposure to COVID-19 have led them to expand their efforts to recruit more young people.

Cut 11 (08) “…commissioners”

Nationwide there’s a growing concern about a lack of election workers as the average workers historically have been older citizens.

There are some volunteer positions, but Ardoin says you can also make a little money by participating.

Cut 12 (07) “…pay is.”

Poll workers help set up polling locations, welcome voters, verify registration and explain voting procedures and how to use the machines.

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Following the devastation of Hurricane Laura, scammers are looking to make a quick buck on storm repairs.  State Licensing Board for Contractors spokesperson Brad Hassert recommends verifying someone is a licensed contractor before making a hire.  That can be done online at lslbc.louisiana.gov.

Cut 13 (10) “…and in place.”

Hassert says it will mostly be unlicensed workers that will try to trick people out of money and one of the ways they do so is by asking for a large amount of payment upfront.

Cut 14 (11) “…question for me.” 

Hassert says the way you pay is also important in in documenting a paper trail of compensation.

Cut 15 (11) “…with them possibly.” 
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The Saints will have a full go scrimmage today as they are eleven days away from the season opener against Tampa Bay. Coach Sean Payton says with no preseason games, they need to work on getting players on and off the field

Cut 16 (20) “…eliminated.” 

Payton says he likes what he’s seen so far from backup quarterback Jameis Winston…

Cut 17  (17) “…smart player” 

Starting guard Andrus Peat looks thinner this season as the veteran says he’s lost 10 to 15 pounds. Peat says the weight loss should lead to better play on the field

Cut 18  (13) “…be good”