The restaurant industry welcomes today’s transition into Phase Three of economic reopening. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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An LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center two-year weight loss program aimed at helping low-income residents finds great success. Matt Doyle has the story.
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President Trump has come under fire for audio recordings of him in March privately acknowledging the danger of coronavirus at a time when he was publicly downplaying the threat. Matt Doyle has the story.
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The state’s move into Phase 3 means relaxed occupancy restrictions on restaurants. Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says the increase from 50% to 75% capacity is a welcomed change.
Cut 4 (09)“ …more work hours.”
Harris says the industry still faces hurdles in rebuilding the trust with patrons and workers that the dine-in atmosphere is a safe place to be.
Cut 5 (11) “…that work there.”
Further details about what Phase Three will look like, such as the status of bars, will be provided during a press conference this afternoon. Harris says the association will continue to advocate on their behalf.
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Louisiana patients who enrolled in a Pennington Biomedical weight loss study tailored to low-income residents maintained at least a five percent decrease in body weight over a two year period. Lead researcher, Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk, says health coaches had weekly sessions with 452 patients on solving their biggest barriers to weight loss.
A control group was given “usual” care that was not personalized, and only lost a half a percent of their body weight.
Katzmarzyk says the program sent health coaches to the patients’ primary care clinics and conducted zoom calls so that participants didn’t have to travel far for help.
The program was conducted at 18 Louisiana primary care clinics in both urban and rural areas.
Katzmarzyk says a major emphasis was showing patients that eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive.
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Senator Bill Cassidy defends President Trump after an audio recording from March was released of the President saying he wanted to “play down” the coronavirus.
Audio has the President privately acknowledging how deadly the virus was at a time when he was publicly comparing it to the flu, but Cassidy says the President’s actions show he took it seriously.
In the recording, the President explains he did not want to create a panic.
Cassidy says the President tends to speak a little loosely and in ways he sometimes regrets, but he doesn’t regret the way the nation responded.
Cassidy says right now he’s not concerned the revelations will impact the President’s reelection chances.
The audio was captured by famed reporter Bob Woodward and was released ahead of his new book that chronicles conversations the two had between late 2019 and early 2020.
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Governor Edwards is warning residents in the areas impacted by Hurricane Laura to be cautious with the heat. The state reports 28 storm-related deaths and many of those are linked to the intense temps. Edwards says those working in the sweltering conditions need to pace themselves.
So far 6000 homeowners who had their dwelling damaged by the storm have registered to get a blue roof from the state. Edwards says anyone who is in need of the temporary patch job needs to act fast on signing up.
Cut 14 (10) “…cover damaged rooves.”
Nearly 13,000 residents are being sheltered in the state of Louisiana at 42 hotels, 36 of which are in New Orleans. Edwards says that number has been growing nightly, but only slightly.
Cut 15 (09) “…4,800 Louisianans.”
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Three Louisiana college football teams kick off their seasons on Saturday. For the first time ever, ULM will battle against one of the United States service academies when they visit Army in West Point at 12:30 central time. The Black Knights blanked Middle Tennessee 42 to nothing last week. Warhawks Coach Matt Viator says Army’s triple-option run-oriented offense is tough to stop
The Ragin Cajuns are at 23rd ranked Iowa State for their first ever visit to Ames. Kick-off is set for 11 AM. U-L Lafayette is coming off its best season in program in history as they were 11-3 and they return eight starters on offense. Third-year head coach Billy Napier says the make-up of this year’s team is different to go along with the preparation for the season
Tulane will begin its 127th season on Saturday night at South Alabama. It will be the second time these two schools have met and it’s the first game ever at Hancock Whitney Stadium. The Jaguars opened the season with a 32-21 road win over Southern Miss. Green Wave coach Willie Fritz says South Al looked impressive
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The Saints will begin another NFL season on Sunday in which they enter the year with one of the more talented rosters in the league. The Black and Gold have suffered playoff heartbreak the last three seasons and Quarterback Drew Brees says he’s got nothing to lose as he gets set to begin his 20th season in the NFL
The Saints will host Tampa Bay on Sunday as New Orleans has prepared for the season without the benefit of any preseason games. There will also be no fans in the Dome but linebacker Alex Anzalone says they’ll be ready