The Senate Judiciary Committee rejects a House-approved bill barring the state from penalizing churches and church-goers for in-person services against state emergency orders.  Shreveport Senator Gregory Tarver argued the ban did not violate constitutional protections on religious liberty because it allowed for virtual services. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says virtual is not the same…

Cut 7 (11) “…would you”

Republican lawmakers await Governor Edwards’ decision on a potential veto of legislation they passed that would allow the Legislature to overturn parts of a public health emergency. Edwards says he needs every tool available to make sure that more people don’t die from this virus than is necessary.

Cut 11 (08) “…Louisiana.”

Constitutional Amendment Four on the November 3rd ballot asks voters if the state should create a new state budget spending limit. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says the state already has a spending limit…

Cut 12 (04) “ …expenditures are” 

Amendment Four is one of seven on the statewide ballot.

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has to update his resume, as he’s now a Special Reserve Deputy with the St Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Becket Breaux says despite Shaq’s busy schedule, he will be active with the department, helping to train and mentor staff via ZOOM. But Breaux will have to update a patrol unit for his newest hire.

Cut 5 (09) “a complaint”

Shaq will also have to have his unform special order to fit his 7-foot-1 frame.

Legislation allowing lawmakers to strip state construction funds from municipalities that cut their police budget in an attempt to “Defund the Police” advances to the Senate floor. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

The Ka’Mauri Harrison bill is on it’s way to the Governor’s desk for signature. House Bill 83 unanimously passed in both chambers. The bill is a result of Harrison, and fourth-grader in Jefferson Parish being suspended for having a BB Gun in his bedroom during a virtual class.  The law would change public-school discipline rules and widen appeal rights of students and parents.

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is having to update his resume, he is now a Special Reserve Deputy with St Martin’s Parish Sheriff Office.  Shaq dropped by the office while the boss was away at training Wednesday and now Sheriff Becket Breaux is having to make budget adjustments.

Cut 3 (12)  “…get it covered”  

Shaq will act as a mentor for the staff and Breaux warns he might occasionally show up for a call.

Legislative Republicans await Governor Edwards’ decision on a potential veto of legislation they passed that would allow the Legislature to overturn parts of a public health emergency. Edwards says he hasn’t had a chance to talk to the bill’s author or Legislative leaders yet, but he already has a blanket policy about attempts to undermine his emergency authority…

Cut 9 (08) “approval”

Compared to other southern states Louisiana is doing better COVID-19 wise, but Governor Edwards doesn’t want COVID fatigue to set in. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (31) “   I’m Brooke Thorington”

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Legislation allowing lawmakers to strip state construction funds from municipalities that cut their police budget in an attempt to “Defund the Police” advances to the Senate floor. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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LSU reportedly imposes self-penalties after a Booster paid the father of a former player and Odell Beckham Jr. handed out cash to players. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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While most of the country is seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases, Louisiana’s numbers have remained steady, but in the last week, daily averages are showing an upward trend.  The state reported 744 additional COVID-19 cases Wednesday and hospitalizations increased by 22, Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s troublesome.

Cut 4 (07) “…me right now”

Edwards points out that while Louisiana is one of 15 states in the “orange zone” for per capita cases most states are in the “red zone” meaning 100 cases per 100-thousand people.

Cut 5 (14) “…our tests”

Governor Edwards says Louisiana is doing much better compared to other southern states and that our mitigation efforts are working.

Cut 6 (13) “…the disease”

Edwards says he remains in contact with the Coronavirus Task Force and continues to follow White House mitigation guidelines.

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Five people have been arrested for allegedly stealing money from the state unemployment trust fund via fraud and identity theft.

The unemployment trust fund is so low on cash the state is having to borrow money from the feds just to keep the checks coming. Attorney General Jeff Landry says it takes money from those who need it.

Cut 7 (08) “to do”

Two of those arrested, Kayla Giles and Teri Thibodeaux allegedly ran a massive fraud scheme targeting unemployment programs in multiple states using 25 stolen identities to siphon off 300,000 dollars in total. Giles was already awaiting trial on a 2nd-degree murder charge related to a 2018 incident where she allegedly shot and killed her fiance in a Walmart parking lot. The three others alleged combined to steal about 20,000 dollars.

Landry asks the public to report anyone they suspect of committing insurance fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721.

Cut 8 (09) “…mind”

Landry says more arrests are likely to come…

Cut 9 (04) “to occur”

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Senate Finance narrowly approves a bill that would allow the Legislature to strip municipalities of state construction funds should they reduce their police budgets by 25 percent.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the bill is a response to the “Defund the Police” movement. He says government’s most important function is providing for public safety…

Cut 10 (10) “…forefathers”

Under the bill, any municipality that reduces the police budget by 25 percent could be summoned to testify in front of a Legislative committee. Should that committee decide the reduction significantly harms public safety that municipality could be blocked from receiving state construction funds in the next fiscal year.

Shreveport Senator Gregory Tarver objected to the bill saying local budgeting decisions are none of the Legislature’s business.

Cut 11 (10) “to have”

And Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux opposed the bill on the grounds that it creates a precedent wherein the Legislature could claim further control of local budgets on other issues…

Cut 12 (08) “government”.

When the bill left the House the threshold was set at a ten percent reduction but Evangeline Parish Senator Heather Cloud says in small towns police budgets can see major fluctuations year to year.

Cut 13 (11) “standard.”

Harris, who wrote the bill, agreed to the amendment to raise the limit to 25 percent with no argument. It heads to the Senate floor next, and if approved there would have to return to the House for concurrence on this amendment.

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Sports Illustrated reports LSU is imposing self-penalties after a two-year investigation revealed a booster paid the father of a former football player for a job he never showed up for. Tiger Rag Magazine Editor Ron Higgins says penalties include a reduction in scholarships, eliminating a percentage of official and unofficial recruiting visits.

Cut 14 (08) “…is a killer”

LSU has also self-imposed a 21-day reduction of the normal 168 days of allowable off-campus contacts.

Higgins says the self-imposed penalties are in hopes of reducing what the NCAA would impose for the infractions.

Cut 15 (14) “..pretty good actually”

And former LSU star Odell Beckham Junior is been banned from the program for two years after handing out cash to players following the national championship. Higgins says it could have been worse.

cut 16 (11) “game too”

Last October, John Paul Fumes, the former CEO of Our Lady of the Lake Foundation was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for stealing 555-thousand dollars from the foundation. Prosecutors say 180-thousand dollars went to the father of former LSU lineman Vadal Alexander.

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La Tech will look for its seventh straight win over UTSA when the two teams meet in the Alamodome on Saturday in San Antonio. Bulldogs coach Skip Holtz says even though Tech has dominated this series as of late, there’s been some close games between the two teams…

cut 17 (20)    anything less”

Last year, Tech defeated the Roadrunners 41-27 in Ruston. The Bulldogs are coming off a 35-17 loss to Marshall. Tech’s offense only produced 267 total yards and the defense allowed the Thundering Herd to convert on third down 13 times. But Holtz says after watching the film the players realize if they play fundamentally sound, they could be a really good team…

cut 18 (13) ” getting better” 

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LSU Coach Ed Orgeron calls starting quarterback Myles Brennan very questionable to play Saturday versus South Carolina. Brennan suffered a torn abdomen according to The Athletic. Max Johnson or T-J Finley will start at QB if Brennan can’t play. Gamecocks coach Will Muschamp says there’s not a dropoff in talent between Brennan and the true freshmen

cut 19 (11) “very talented”‘

Muschamp doesn’t expect to see LSU make adjust its playing calling just because they are playing a freshman at quarterback

cut 20 (09) “.seeing”

LSU Police are investigating an alleged hazing incident involving Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity after a student was hospitalized with alcohol intoxication. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says the incident is hauntingly familiar to the Max Gruver case in 2017 but this time witnesses are cooperating.

Cut 5 (14) “…its gone”

A driver of a pickup truck died this morning when he crashed head-on into a school bus in Terrebonne Parish. Two children on the bus suffered minor injuries, but State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says 43-year-old Troy Lyons of Schriever was killed despite wearing a seat belt…

cut 15 (12)”…did not survive”

The House and Senate agree on legislation concerning the Governor’s public health orders.

Under the bill, the Governor would still be allowed to issue an emergency order but 30 days later when it came time for a renewal a majority vote in the House and Senate could remove parts of the order, or overturn it. Erath Representative Blake Miguez disagrees with critics who say limiting the Governor’s authority is dangerous…

Cut 10 (09) “….response”

It doesn’t sound like LSU quarterback Myles Brennan will play in Saturday night’s home game against South Carolina. Coach Ed Orgeron says his starting Q-B continues to slowly recover from an injury.

Cut 12 (06) “ .very questionable” 

If Brennan is out, LSU will start a true freshman at quarterback, either T-J Finley or Max Johnson. The last time a freshman started at QB was in 2014 against Auburn.

LSU Police are investigating an alleged hazing incident involving Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity after a student was hospitalized with alcohol intoxication. LSU Greek life was in the national spotlight after the death of freshman pledge Max Gruver for alcohol poisoning in 2017. It sparked legislation enforcing harsher penalties and holding social organizations responsible.  East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore believes it’s making a difference.

Cut 7 (10) “…they respond”

The House and Senate agree on legislation allowing lawmakers to strike down specific public health restrictions without overturning the Governor’s entire public health order. The bill only won 54 votes, had 30 nays, and 21 lawmakers abstained. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey called the legislation a mess that lawmakers were given no time to read before the vote was held…

Cut 11 (05) “…this.”

The Saints will be allowed to play in front of fans after the team reached an agreement with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. The phased plan will begin with 3,000 fans this Sunday, before increasing to 6,000 fans for the November games and as much as 15,000 fans for December.  Coach Sean Payton says this is a great way to gradually allow fans back into the Dome.

Cut 4 (07)   “…there”   

It doesn’t sound like LSU quarterback Myles Brennan will play in Saturday night’s home game against South Carolina. Coach Ed Orgeron says If Brennan can’t play, LSU will start a true freshman at quarterback, either T-J Finley or Max Johnson. Orgeron has confidence in both players

Cut 13 (07) “…will play”

Orgeron says a decision on who will start will be made later this week.

A bill is headed to the Governor’s desk that if signed would allow lawmakers to strike down certain pandemic public health restrictions. Matt Doyle covered the bill’s testy final vote on the House floor…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

34-year-old Wendell Sanchez of Gonzales is charged with first degree raped after police say he raped and impregnated an 11-year old girl.  Ascension Parish Sheriff’s deputies learned of the incident Sunday after the victim was brought to the hospital with stomach pains. Bond was set at over a half-a-million.

An early-morning crash involving a school bus in Terrebonne Parish claims the life of a Schriever man. LSP Trooper Thomas Gossen says the head-on crash happened shortly after 6:30 when the driver of a truck crossed the center line on Highway 56.

Cut 14 (11) “… at the scene”

It doesn’t sound like LSU quarterback Myles Brennan will play in Saturday night’s home game against South Carolina. Coach Ed Orgeron says his starting Q-B continues to slowly recover from an injury.

Cut 12 (06) “ .very questionable” 

If Brennan is out, LSU will start a true freshman at quarterback, either T-J Finley or Max Johnson. Last time a freshman started at QB was 2014 against Auburn.

LSU Police are investigating an alleged hazing incident involving Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity after a freshman was hospitalized with alcohol intoxication. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says the incident is hauntingly familiar to the Max Gruver case in 2017, but this time witnesses are cooperating.

Cut 5 (14) “…its gone”

Moore plans to meet with LSU Police tomorrow and discuss evidence and details they have obtained from witnesses so far.

The House and Senate agree on legislation allowing lawmakers to strike down specific public health restrictions without overturning the Governor’s entire public health order. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says his constituents demanded action on loosening pandemic health restrictions and this bill gives lawmakers a tool to do that.

Cut 8 (09) “..people”

Louisiana voters will not see US Senate candidates debate before the November 3^rd election after Senator Bill Cassidy says he won’t agree to debate unless all of his challengers are invited. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “   I’m Matt Doyle”

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron says it’s highly unlikely that Myles Brennan will be starting quarterback Saturday against the South Carolina Gamecocks unless a miracle happens.  Either Max Johnson or TJ Finely will start. The last time a freshman quarterback started for LSU was in 2014 against Auburn.

Louisiana voters will not see US Senate candidates debate before the November 3^rd election after Senator Bill Cassidy says he won’t agree to debate unless all of his challengers are invited. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “   I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Louisiana Municipal Association is fighting legislation that could strip state construction dollars from municipalities that reduce police budgets by ten percent or more. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the Saints have agreed to a phased approach allowing fans to back into the Superdome. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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Amendment Three on the ballot proposes changes to access the state’s, Rainy Day Fund. Public Affairs Research Council President, Robert Travis Scott, says currently the fund can only be accessed if the economy is in peril or projected state income is insufficient.  Amendment Three allows for another provision.

Cut 4 (13) “…happen a lot”

Scott says a two-thirds vote of the legislature is still required to tap funding with Amendment Three, along with a provision for replenishing the fund, upon receipt of federal emergency dollars.

Cut 5 (10) “…declared disaster”

Scott says the fund is already accessible under a federally declared disaster, but only if the state’s economy is in jeopardy.

Cut 6 (09) “…not affected”

Lawmakers cannot take more than the projected deficit from the Rainy Day Fund or one-third of the total balance, whichever is smaller.

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There will be no televised US Senate primary debate before November 3^rd, the first time Louisianans won’t have a pre-vote debate in a Senate contest since 1998.

Senator Bill Cassidy says he won’t participate in any debate unless all 14 of his challengers are there. Political analyst Bernie Pisnonat says Cassidy dodging the debate is smart politics.

Cut 7 (08) “to do”

Cassidy’s opponents are headlined by Democrats Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins and Baton Rouge activist Antoine Peirce.

But are voters losing out by not having a chance to see the candidates go head to head?

Cut 8 (09) “…mind”

There’s been little polling for this Senate race. The only poll that could be found shows Cassidy with a strong lead followed by Perkins, and then Pierce.

Pinsonat says the only way we would see Cassidy attend a debate is if the race heads to a run-off.

Cut 9 (04) “to occur”

The potential run-off would be held on December 5^th.

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Legislation that could strip municipalities of state construction funds should they reduce their police budget has stalled amidst opposition from the Louisiana Municipal Association.

The legislation was brought in response to the “Defund the Police” movement, but LMA President John Gallagher says you have to leave these kinds of issues to local leaders…

Cut 10 (10) “…day”

The legislation would require local governments that cut police budgets by at least ten percent to testify to a legislative committee. If the committee decides the reduction was political and would hurt public safety, that municipality could be denied state construction dollars in the next fiscal year.

The LMA is worried routine budget cuts could be misconstrued by lawmakers under the bill as political attacks on police. Gallagher says it would all be up to legislators on the Joint Budget Committee…

Cut 11 (08) “Department”

Bill author Alexandria Representative Lance Harris defended it saying municipal public safety issues can impact the entire state, and if a budget cut were to occur that wasn’t meant to “defund” local leaders would just have to state their case.

Gallagher questioned why the bill was even being brought right now…

Cut 12 (06) “opposite”.

Harris says it’s a preventative measure. The bill is scheduled to be heard in Senate Finance, which convenes at 1 PM today.

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To reduce the state’s carbon footprint a Louisiana company applies for an EPA Permit to create a deep underground carbon sequestration site. It is being described as “the largest geologic carbon capture sequestration project in the U.S.” Department of Natural Resources Spokesperson Patrick Courreges (Coo-ray) explains the process.

Cut 13 (11) “like wastewater.”

Courreges says the site will be located 10-thousand feet deep beneath a cattle ranch owned by Gulf Coast Sequestration, LLC between the Sabine River and Lake Charles.

Cut 14 (12) “…atmosphere”

In August Governor Edwards launched a program aimed at reducing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 28-percent by 2025. Courreges says the site will first have to receive EPA approval and eventually DNR will oversee the site.

Cut 15 (06) “..our coastline”

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The LSU football team used its unexpected bye weekend to try and fix a defense that’s given up nearly 500 yards of total offense a game through the first three contests. Linebacker Jabril Cox says they’ve simplified the playbook in the hopes of playing closer to the LSU standard…

cut 16 (20) “to that standard”

LSU starting quarterback Myles Brennan is questionable for Saturday night’s game against South Carolina, so T-J Finley and Max Johnson are competing in practice this week to be the starter if Brennan can’t go. Starting center Liam Shanahan says he’s been impressed with Finley and Johnson

cut 17 (16)    I’m confident”

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After a bye week, ULM is back in action this Saturday as the Warhawks travel to South Alabama in search of their first win. Coach Matt Viator says they used the extra time off to work on special teams after the punt team gave up three touchdowns in a 40-7 loss to Liberty….

cut 18 (19) ” I ever had” 

Viator says they also worked on going up against defenses that play three-man defensive fronts…

cut 19 (18) “.s0″‘

With one week to go in the special session, lawmakers are deadlocked on questions of whether the Governor’s public health authority should be restricted. And LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says Democrats want the session to end early, noting the 40,000 dollar a day cost. Alford says it’s highly unlikely they’ll get their wish.

Cut 14 (13) “…vetoes”

UPDATED – Saints

The New Orleans Saints and City Officials have agreed to a plan allowing three-thousand fans inside the Dome Sunday for the Carolina Panthers game. Only Season ticket holders will have access to tickets. If local health guidelines remain unchanged and current virus trends stay on track the crowd size could increase to 6-thousand fans for the November 15th 49er’s game and the November 22nd game with Atlanta.

Air Force C-130 planes begin spraying today at 6 PM in parishes impacted by Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Taylor Sharp spoke with GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele about the spraying process…

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Taylor Sharp”  

The LSU chapter of Phi Kappa Psi has been placed on suspension after a student was hospitalized Monday following an off-campus incident Sunday night. LSU says the fraternity must halt all activities pending an investigation into suspected violations of the LSU code of conduct.

The House and Senate are at an impasse over legislation stripping the Governor of his public health authority with only a week left until the special session ends.

cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

For the first time in more than 20 years, there will not be a televised debate for Louisiana’s senate seat. Incumbent Republican Bill Cassidy’s campaign says the senator has not received a “firm invitation” to debate and he’s only interested if all 14 of his challengers take part. Democratic challenger, Adrian Perkins says several outlets have invited Cassidy, but he continues to decline.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell met with Saints officials Monday to discuss the return of fans to the Superdome. Mayor Spokesperson Beau Tidwell says negotiations are ongoing and they discussed what the Saints are seeking regarding fans in the stands.

Cut 10 (09) “…..us regress”

Earlier this month the NFL franchise met with LSU officials about the possibility of playing at Tiger Stadium.

Areas impacted by Hurricanes Laura and Delta will begin to see C-130 planes overhead tonight as they take to the skies to reduce the mosquito population. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says FEMA approved funding for use of the planes and they are making a preemptive strike.

Cut 5 (11) “…now”

Planes will be flying from 6 until 8 pm.