Louisiana’s television and film industry has felt the impact of COVID-19, but when will it start to come back? Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries wants you to take part in a Free Fishing Weekend this Saturday and Sunday. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”
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The FAFSA priority deadline for 2020 high school grads is fast approaching. Matt Doyle has the story.
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COVID-19 has put the brakes on the state’s television and film productions, but it is believed the industry will resume soon. Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment Chris Stelly anticipates cameras will roll again in July or August.
Cut 4 (08) “…them in reentry.”
There is some uncertainty as to how quickly the industry will come back and at what volume, but Stelly says each production will have to make the determination as to how fast they want to move back into operations.
Film industry unions and guilds have recently issued guidance for best practices when it comes to resuming productions in a safe manner. Stelly anticipates spread mitigation efforts will be ramped up, including extra cleaning on set, smaller crews, and increased hygienic practices.
Cut 6 (11) “…will be production.”
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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is encouraging you to grab a pole and take part in their annual Free Fishing Weekend this Saturday and Sunday. That means you do not need a license to fish. LDWF spokesperson Ed Pratt says it is the perfect time for experienced anglers to introduce the sport to a novice.
Pratt reminds you to be safe while fishing by practicing social distancing and keep your groups to ten or less.
Many families are looking for safe outdoor activities during the COVID pandemic. Pratt says Free Fishing Weekend is the ideal opportunity
LDWF reminds the public that anytime outside Free Fishing Weekend, anglers 16 and older must possess a fishing license when fishing in any Louisiana public waters.
For information on purchasing a license, you can go to https://la-web.s3licensing.com/
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LOSFA has begun processing 2020 high school graduates TOPS eligibility and is asking students to fill out their FAFSA before the July 1st priority deadline.
LOFSA Executive Director Sujuan Boutte says 2020 grads need to set up their Student Hub account ASAP to track the status of their TOPS application.
Boutte advises students to use the exact same name and spelling on all documents to prevent processing errors.
The deadline to file your ACT score has been extended to September 30th, but Boutte still wants you to submit your current scores. If you test again later and score higher…
The extension came as part of a gubernatorial order aimed at helping students impacted by COVID-related disruptions.
The COVID disruption has many students contemplating just sitting out the fall semester. Boutte says if you do, that’s fine but still file now in case your change your mind.
For the 2019-2020 academic year, 54,000 students received 302 million dollars in benefits from the TOPS program.
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Louisiana Pandemic EBT cards are arriving this week for the first round of applicants. The money is to help offset the cost of food for school children who would normally get free or reduced-price school meals. Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says be careful not to confuse it with junk mail.
Cut 13 (05) “…is money inside.”
Instead, it’s a plain white envelope with an Austin, Texas, return address. Those who have applied between May 25 and June 1 should expect to receive their cards by June 13.
Dunn says the average family will receive $285 per eligible child in a one-time time installment.
Cut 14 (11) “…receive those benefits.”
Dunn says the deadline to sign up for P-EBT has been extended to 4:30 PM on June 15th and it will not be extended again. So far, applications have been received on behalf of about 450,000 eligible children.
Cut 15 (09) “…about 700,000 children.”
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Legislation creating the framework to tax online fantasy sports passes a House committee and is headed to the House floor.
The bill sets an eight percent tax rate on net revenue for the activity and mandates those funds must be spent on early childhood education. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes applauded it.
47 parishes approved cash prize based online fantasy sports gaming, an activity that is mostly limited to the sites DraftKings and FanDuel.
The fiscal note estimates only about 365,000 dollars of revenue will be generated every year. Bill sponsor Crowley Representative John Stefanski says it’s not much, but every little bit helps.
If this tax plan were to be signed into law by Governor Edwards online fantasy sports gaming could be up and running in the state for the coming football season.
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