Tulane researchers say an animal model trial for a promising COVID-19 drug is showing strong results as a preventative treatment. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor Edwards holds another coronavirus briefing at 2:30 today. The current phase two order ends Friday, but the governor is expected to extend it, despite a decline in the daily total of new cases and a slight drop in COVID-19 hospital patients.

Louisiana has released coronavirus safety guidelines so that motion picture production can resume. The regulations call for a COVID-19 compliance officer on set, testing of workers and everyone wearing masks except performers. Louisiana Entertainment Director Chris Stelly expects production to ramp up over the next two months…
cut 6 (12) “….communities”

Louisiana Lottery has increased the starting jackpot for its lotto game from 250-to-500-thousand dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says the game matrix is also changing as players will pick six numbers out of 42, instead of 40…
cut 8 (10) “…a change”
And the change should lead to more jackpots over one million dollars.

The state has announced new safety guidelines for the restart of motion picture production. Louisiana Entertainment Director Chris Stelly says the guidelines are similar to other workplaces. Wear a mask, social distance while on set, limit access to the studio, and…
Cut 4 (11)_ “…reset”
Stelly says a few productions are making preparations to resume filming and additional production activity is expected to ramp up in a few weeks.

Tulane researchers say an antibody treatment for COVID-19 has produced positive results in studies on lab mice. It’s a synthetic protein called MDR 504 and its engineered to neutralize the virus once it enters a person’s body. Tulane Internal Medicne Chair Doctor Jay Kolls says the drug could be fantastic for nurses who are regularly exposed to the virus, but it’s not cheap to produce…
cut 11 (09) “….thing”
A human trial for the treatment is still needed.

Senator John Kennedy says a proposed coronavirus relief bill would let states determine how to pay extended unemployment benefits funded by the feds. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (26) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Murder charges have been dropped for one of two teenagers arrested last week in Franklin Parish after a State Trooper found a dead body in the trunk of their vehicle. Authorities say 18-year-old Michael Mitchell has admitted to fatally shooting 23-year-old Michael Robinson Junior of Monroe and the passneger in the vehicle 19-year-old Cameron Powe had nothing to do with the crime. So Powe’s charges have been dropped.

Discussions continue in Washington D-C on extending expanded federal unemployment benefits. The 600-dollar per week pandemic jobless benefit expired last week. Senator John Kennedy says there’s been discussion on giving states a choice as to how to go about paying the benefits…
cut 13 (12) “….your prior wages”
Congressional Democrats want to extend unemployment benefits through at least January 31st, while Kennedy says they should extend through the end of October.

The state has released a best practices plan so that film production can resume. Among the guidelines, a COVID-19 compliance officer, face coverings for everyone except performers, limit access to production areas and digital scripts and call sheets. Lousiana Entertainment Director Chris Stelly says there were 14 film productions in Louisiana when the pandemic hit, not all of them may return…
cut 5 (08) “….go forward” (2x)

Tulane researchers say an antibody treatment used on lab mice showed it can be effective at preventing coronavirus from multiplying once it infects you. It’s a protein called MDR 504, but Tulane Internal Medicine Chair Doctor Jay Kolls says it will be at least six months before this treatment could be available for humans…
cut 12 (11) “…2021”

The starting jackpot for Louisiana Lottery’s flagship game, Lotto, has been upgraded from 250-thousand dollars to 500-thousand dollars. Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says this will help create larger jackpots..
Cut 7 (10) “…throughout the year.”
The change marks only the fourth time the game has been altered in its 28-year history.

Tulane researchers say an antibody treatment has shown signs in animal trials that it can be effective at preventing coronavirus from multiplying once it infects you. Tulane Internal Medicine Chair Dr. Jay Kolls says lab mice that received a protein called MDR 504 were far less likely to see the virus replicate once infected.
Cut 10 (11) “…percent.”
Kolls says animal toxicology studies are still needed before they can move to human trials.

On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are making very little progress on passing another coronavirus relief bill that would extend jobless benefits. Democrats believe the country should continue with the 600-dollar-per-week jobless benefits, but Republicans are offering different alternatives. But Senator John Kennedy says Democrats are not willing to vote for other options…
cut 14 (06) “…to oppose it”
Discussions will continue throughout the week.

Later this month, the first film/TV project since the pandemic began is set to begin production in Louisiana under a set of new industry guidelines. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The state health department reports the number of coronavirus patients in Louisiana hospitals has fallen below 15-hundred for the first time since July 19th. The state also reported 17 more deaths and nearly 11-hundred more cases. The number of suspected active cases is 42-thousand.

Ochsner Health has been selected to participate in Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine trial. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The State Fire Marshal’s Office found nearly 700 businesses who were not in compliance with COVID spread mitigation measures in July. Fire Marshal Butch Browning says it’s a small share of the businesses his deputies visited.
Cut 12 (09) “…we were there.”
Browning says it’s good to see that 90-percent of the businesses they visit are taking the spread mitigation efforts seriously.

The Saints begin strength and conditioning work today after none of their players tested positive for COVID-19 during extensive testing last week. Quarterback Drew Brees is ready to begin his 15th season with the Black and Gold
Cut 6 (09) “…good at”
During training camp, Saints players, coaches, team doctors and other personnel will stay at the Loews Hotel in New Orleans so they are sequestered from the public.