10:30 LRN Newscast July 13

There is a statewide mask mandate in place as new COVID-19 guidelines take effect today. Businesses are expected to tell their customers they must have a mask on while inside their location. Governor Edwards says the order exempts people with certain medical conditions from wearing a mask, but he says if that’s the case you shouldn’t be near people outside of your household anyways…
Cut 5 (07) “…under any circumstances”

Louisiana is reporting 78-thousand coronavirus cases. The state has four-point-six million people, which means two-percent of the state’s residents have tested positive. Regional public health director for Acadiana, Doctor Tina Stefanski, says if you think herd immunity is the answer for this virus, we are not close…
Cut 10 (10) “…have recovered”

LSU athletics director Scott Woodward and other SEC Commissioners meet today in Birmingham to discuss the upcoming football season. LHSAA Commissioner Eddie Bonine will speak to the House Education Committee at 10:00 AM. House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo is hopeful high school sports can be played this fall…
cut 9 (08) “….health”
Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields has said fall sports should be canceled.

A recent study shows 73% of pet owners are concerned about returning to work and spending time away from their pets and 59% are worried their dog or cat may suffer from separation anxiety. LSU Vet School Assistant Professor of Community Practice Nancy Welborn says if you are heading back to work soon, prep your pets for that transition.
Cut 13 (08) “…then come back.”

9:30 LRN Newscast July 13

A mask is now required for individuals when they are inside a business or outdoors and unable to keep a distance from others…
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The governor has ordered all bars closed to in-person consumption. And also indoor social gatherings have been limited to no more than 50 people, except at churches. The previous limit on indoor gatherings was 250.

Louisiana is third in the nation in the number of infections per capita and the state’s death toll has surpassed 33-hundred.

Lousiana’s education and health leaders along with the head of the LHSAA will speak today at a House Education Committee meeting about reopening schools and getting kids back on the athletic fields. House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo encourages parents to watch the 10 AM meeting on the state’s legislative website.
Cut 7 (11) “…reopen.”

A recent poll found that 59-percent of pet owners are concerned their pet may suffer from separation anxiety when they return to the office. LSU Vet School Assistant Professor of Community Practice Nancy Welborn suggests giving your pet something to play with to help take their mind off the fact that you are leaving…
cut 15 (11) “….different options”

8:30 LRN Newscast July 13

New coronavirus requirements are in effect today. Everyone over the age of eight is required to wear a mask outside of the home, bars are closed but can provide curbside pickup and indoor social gathers are limited to 50 people. Louisiana reported 13-hundred new COVID cases yesterday and hospitalizations rose by another 61.

As the number of coronavirus cases continues to grow, is herd immunity a possible answer? Matt Doyle reports the state health department says no…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley will discuss the guidelines the department has provided to local school districts on reopening schools next month at today’s House Education Committee meeting. Chairman Ray Garofalo says school officials will lay out exactly what a potential “hybrid model” of education would look like, and how much off-campus learning would be required.
Cut 8 (05) “…classroom”
The meeting will start at 10 AM and it can be viewed on the state’s legislative website.

If you’ve been working at home, but planning to return to the office. How concerned are you about your pet experiencing separation anxiety? A new poll found 59-percent of pet owners are worried. LSU Vet School Assistant Professor of Community practice Nancy Welborn says shake up the daily routine, as pets, especially dogs, can pick up on the patterns that indicate when someone is leaving…
cut 14 (11) “…the night before”

7:30 LRN Newscast July 13

A statewide mask mandate goes into effect today. That means residents eight years and up should wear a mask when they are unable to socially distance themselves from others outside of their household. The governor has also ordered all bars closed to onsite consumption as the state has moved to third in the country for per capita coronavirus cases. Governor Edwards says based on contact tracing at least 36 outbreaks started in bars…
cut 6 (11) “….to hear them”
Assistant State Health Officer, Doctor Joe Kanter, says persons between the ages of 18 to 29 continue to see the most new cases and there’s evidence they are spreading the virus to older, sicker people
Cut 12 (07) increase in deaths”
The state is reporting over 33-hundred deaths.

LSU athletics director Scott Woodward and other SEC Commissioners meet today in Birmingham to discuss the upcoming football season. LHSAA Commissioner Eddie Bonine will speak to the House Education Committee at 10:00 AM. House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo is hopeful high school sports can be played this fall…
cut 9 (08) “….health”
Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields has said fall sports should be canceled.

A recent study shows 73% of pet owners are concerned about returning to work and spending time away from their pets and 59% are worried their dog or cat may suffer from separation anxiety. LSU Vet School Assistant Professor of Community Practice Nancy Welborn says if you are heading back to work soon, prep your pets for that transition.
Cut 13 (08) “…then come back.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast July 13

The S-E-C’s 14 athletic directors are set to meet today at the league’s offices in Birmingham, Alabama. The Big Ten and PAC 12 have already announced that their football teams will only play a conference schedule. The S-E-C is not expected to make a decision until late July. But Commissioner Greg Sankey said on ESPN Radio Saturday morning that the direct reality is not good and they are running out of time in getting the virus under the control. He says as a society we owe it to each other to be as healthy as we can be.

LHSAA Commissioner Eddie Bonine will speak this morning at the House Education Committee. House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo says he hopes fall sports can happen because it’s a good outlet for kids
cut 9 (08) “…health”
As it stands now, fall practice begins August 10th.

The Pelicans are getting used to life inside the NBA’s bubble in Orlando, Florida. The team is staying at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and veteran shooting guard J-J Redick says he has no complaints
Cut 16 (24) “…it’s fine”
The team began practicing last Friday and their first scrimmage game against another team is a week from Wednesday.

Four-star Maryland linebacker Greg Penn the third has committed to LSU. He’s six-foot-one, 225 pounds and ranks as the ninth-best inside linebacker in the country. He gives LSU 16 commitments for the 2021 recruiting class and 13 of them are from out of state.

6:30 LRN Newscast July 13

Starting today, Lousiana residents eight years old and up are required to wear a mask when indoors and outdoors and you cannot be physically distant from others. Governor John Bel Edwards says many might not agree with this order, but he says research shows face masks can slow the spread of COVID-19…
Cut 4 (12)_ “will happen”
Some say mask mandates violate our personal liberties and others contend it does not protect you from COVID and wearing masks for long period can exasperate breathing issues. But Regional Public Health director for Acadiana, Doctor Tina Stefanski, the best way to beat the virus without closing businesses back down again is by wearing masks
Cut 11 (11) “…level of transmission”

The House Education Committee will discuss the reopening of schools in August during a 10 o’clock meeting at the state capitol today. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (27) “I’m Matt Doyle”

BESE meets tomorrow. The state’s top school board is expected to decide whether they’ll require students to wear face masks. The state education department has recommended mask wearing for students in third grade and above.

Updated LRN AM Newscall July 13 ###sports cuts added###

The House Education Committee will discuss plans on schools reopening in August during a 10 o’clock meeting at the state capitol today. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

As the number of coronavirus cases continues to grow, is herd immunity a possible answer? Matt Doyle reports the state health department says no…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

A mask is now required for individuals when they are inside a business or outdoors and unable to keep a distance from others. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

______________________________

Starting today, Lousiana residents eight years old and up are required to wear a mask when indoors and outdoors and you cannot be physically distant from others. Governor John Bel Edwards says many might not agree with this order, but he says research shows face masks can slow the spread of COVID-19…

Cut 4 (12)_ “will happen”

Businesses will be required to tell people they must have a mask on while inside their location. Edwards says the order exempts people with certain medical conditions from wearing a mask, but he says if that’s the case you shouldn’t be near people outside of your household anyways…

Cut 5 (07)  “…under any circumstances”

The governor has also ordered all bars closed as the state has moved to third in the country for per capita cases. He says based on contact tracing at least 36 outbreaks started in bars and the number is likely more than that…

Cut 6 (11) “…to hear them.”

Bars will remain closed and the mask mandate will remain in place until at least July 24th.

__________________

Lousiana’s education and health leaders along with the head of the LHSAA will speak today at a House Education Committee meeting about reopening schools and getting kids back on the athletic fields. House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo encourages parents to watch the 10 AM meeting on the state’s legislative website.

Cut 7 (11) “…reopen.”

You can watch live at legis.la.gov. If you miss the live broadcast you and find the meeting in the legislative video archives.

Garofalo says they’ll get school officials to lay out exactly what a potential “hybrid model” of education would look like, and how much off-campus learning would be required.

Cut 8 (05) “…classroom”

A number of school districts have already released their preliminary back to school plans.

Garofalo says athletics is an important part of the high school experience and he plans on asking LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine how they plan to make it possible.

Cut 9 (08) “…health.”

Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields, who chairs the Senate Education Committee, sparked controversy recently when he sent a letter to BESE requesting all K-12 sports be canceled for fall.

_______________

Louisiana is reporting nearly 80-thousand coronavirus cases. The state has four-point-six million people, which means two-percent of the state’s residents have tested positive. Regional public health director for Acadiana, Doctor Tina Stefanski, says if you think herd immunity is the answer for this virus, we are not close…

Cut 10 (10) “…have recovered”

Stefanski says scientific evidence has shown the best way to beat the virus without closing businesses back down again is by wearing masks

Cut 11 (11) “…level of transmission”

Assistant State Health Officer, Doctor Joe Kanter, says persons between the age of 18 to 29 continues to be the age group with the most new cases and there’s evidence they are spreading the virus to older, sicker people

Cut 12 (07)      increase in deaths” 

The state is reporting over 33-hundred deaths.

___________________________________

A recent study shows 73% of people say they are concerned about returning to work and spending time away from their pets and 59% are worried their dog or cat may suffer from separation anxiety.  LSU Vet School Assistant Professor of Community Practice Nancy Welborn says now is the time to prep your pets for that transition.

Cut 13 (08) “…then come back.” 

Welborn says it is important to shake up the daily routine of leaving the house as pets, especially dogs, can pick up on the patterns that indicate when someone is leaving.

Cut 14 (11) “…the night before.”

Welborn adds using a different door to exit your home if possible as well as staggering the times that you leave can throw off triggers.

Welborn says it will help to give your pet something to play with to help take their mind off the fact that you are leaving.

Cut 15 (11) “…of different options.” 

____________________________

The Pelicans are getting used to life inside the NBA’s bubble in Orlando, Florida. The team is staying at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and veteran shooting guard J-J Redick says he has no complaints

Cut 16 (24) “…it’s fine” 

Guard Josh Hart has a nice wine cellar at his New Orleans area home, but in Orlando he’s had to settle for a 15-bottle wine fridge in his room

Cut 17  (23) “…works out” 

The Pelicans had their first practice last Friday and their first scrimmage game against another opponent is a week from Wednesday. Head Coach Alvin Gentry says the goal is pick up where they left off when the season was suspended in March

Cut 18  (23) “…high level”   

3:30 LRN Newscast July 10

The State Fire Marshal’s office has conducted around 3,100 coronavirus spread mitigation compliance checks between June 26 and July 5, but no penalties have been handed down. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says that’s because businesses are correcting shortcomings after the first visit.
Cut 9 (10) “…consider penalizing somebody.”
Browning says the lack of citations is an indicator that businesses care enough about their customers and employees to be in compliance.

It will be a hot weekend as heat index values will reach 110, maybe even 115 degrees. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a high pressure system in the northern Gulf of Mexico will limit cloudiness and thunderstorms
Cut 3 (11) “…lots of humidity”

A judge has issued a temporary restraining order against Shreveport’s mask mandate. Matt Doyle asked a legal expert if cities have the legal authority to issue these mandates…
Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The Saints are offering their season ticket holders the opportunity to opt out of the 2020 season. Fans can either request a refund or just roll the money over to the 2021 season. If a season ticket holder opts out, they can still renew season tickets for 2021, without having to go on the team’s waiting list. No decision has been made yet on fans inside the Dome this year.

LRN PM Newscall July 10

A local judge has issued a temporary restraining order against Shreveport’s mask mandate. Matt Doyle asked a legal expert if cities have the legal authority to issue these mandates…

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

Despite a high number of compliance checks, the State Fire Marshal’s office has not cited or shut down a single business for not following COVID mitigation requirements. Why is that? Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________

It will be a hot weekend as heat index values will reach 110, maybe even 115 degrees. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a high pressure system in the northern Gulf of Mexico will limit cloudiness and thunderstorms

Cut 3 (11)  “…lots of humidity”  

This stretch of hot weather will continue into early next week and Keim says it will be quite warm for outdoor activities in the morning…

Cut 4 (11)_ “    low 70s” 

Keim says rain chances are low this weekend…

Cut 5 (10)  “…miss it”
______________________

A Caddo District Court judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking the City’s implementation of a mandate requiring masks to be worn inside businesses.

New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, and East Baton Rouge Parish have also issued similar mandates. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino believes they do have the authority to do so.

Cut 6 (13) “…basis.”

If the mandate were to be implemented non-compliant businesses could potentially be shut down while the state remained in Phase Two.

Ciolino says governments are afforded a lot of leeways when it comes to this kind of policy.

Cut 7 (09) “…health.”

Governor Edwards has often said that he is not, and has not considered a statewide mask mandate.

Ciolino says mask mandate opponents will have a hard time arguing against the mandates in potential court proceedings.

Cut 8 (10) “…box”

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins has until July 16th to respond, and the five businesses suing to stop the mandate have until July 17th to reply.

_______________________

 

The State Fire Marshal’s office has conducted around 3,100 coronavirus spread mitigation compliance checks between June 26 and July 5, yet there hasn’t been any penalization of the rule breakers.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says that’s because businesses are correcting shortcomings after the first visit.

Cut 9 (10) “…consider penalizing somebody.”

Browning says the lack of citations or shutdowns is a strong indicator that businesses care enough about their customers and employees to come into compliance.

Cut 10 (07) “…everything goes bad”

Browning says after a third check, if there are businesses that are blatantly defying the rules, that’s when further action will be taken, but says it has yet to come to that.

Cut 11 (07) “…exceeded our expectations.”

_________________________________________________________

The coronavirus pandemic may have put a dent into many sectors of the economy, but the Louisiana Lottery says they’ve just finished their second-best fiscal year ever that ended on June 30th.  Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says that’s in large part due to an uptick in scratch-off sales from April through June.

Cut 12 (05) “…in our history.”

Multi-state jackpots such Powerball and Mega Millions ended the year down by about $66 million due to a 12-month drought of jackpots exceeding $400 million.

Many lottery retailers such as grocery and convenience stores were deemed essential and stayed open, which Chopin says was vital in maintaining player activity.

Cut 13 (08) “…have become inaccessible.” 

Chopin says the ability to avoid interrupting player’s routines while other aspects of life were on hold also contributed to captivating their audience.

Cut 14 (07) “…do for entertainment.”

1:30 LRN Newscast July 10

Louisiana reported more than 26-hundred new COVID-19 cases today. That’s the most ever in a single day for the Bayou State that didn’t include backlog cases since the pandemic started. The state’s death toll is up to 3,272 and hospitalizations rose by 75.

Despite a high number of compliance checks, the State Fire Marshal’s office has not cited or shut down a single business for not following COVID mitigation requirements…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A Shreveport judge has temporarily blocked the city from enforcing a mask mandate. A court hearing to determine if the temporary restraining order will be converted to a preliminary injunction is set for July 20th. Five Shreveport businesses owners filed the lawsuit this morning. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino believes government does have the authority to issue a mask requirement when public health is at stake…
cut 7 (09) “….health”

Saturday is Louisiana’s presidential primary, but there are local issues on the ballot for two dozen parishes. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says masks are recommended and hand sanitizer will be provided, but they will not be handing out I voted stickers…
cut 15 (03) “…stickers”
Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM and if you want to vote in the presidential primary you have to be registered with the republican or democratic party.