Attorney General Jeff Landry visits with the family of a Jefferson Parish fourth-grader who was suspended earlier this month after handling a BB gun in view of his webcam during a virtual learning session.  Landry says the punishment, including a weapons violation on his permanent record, is an overreaction.

Cut 10 (09) “…into their home.”

Woodmere Elementary 4th grader Ka’Mauri Harrison was suspended for six days.  His brother tripped over the gun when entering the room, at which point Harrison moved the gun, but still within view of his web camera.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee heard legislation that would create a Council of State to give input on whether an emergency order should go beyond 30 days. Representative Jack McFarland of Jonesboro authored it…

Cut 13 (07) “…line of communication”

A vote on McFarland’s measure could come as early as tomorrow.

Lawmakers questioned state health officials about the 25-percent cap on spectators at athletic events today in a House committee meeting.

cut 2 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins is one of only five representatives to not sign onto a House resolution reaffirming a commitment to an orderly and peaceful transfer of power if President Trump is no reelected. In a statement Higgin’s called the resolution a Democrat stunt and while he supports a peaceful transition post-election he won’t vote for gimmicks.

The State Health Officer issues a dire pandemic prediction to a Legislative committee. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…Jeff Palermo”  

The state reports 452 new COVID cases today, surpassing a grand total of 166,000 cases. Total fatalities… 5,321, up by 13. Hospitalizations… 553, with 79 on ventilators.

The discussion over the 25-percent maximum capacity at athletic events took the spotlight at a legislative committee this morning. Assistant state health officer Dr. Joe Kanter defended the current spectator cap by saying it isn’t the social distancing in the stands that is the area of concern, but the choke points within a venue. Kanter says the challenge extends beyond knowing and accepting the risk involved because coronavirus spreads even without any symptoms.

Cut 8 (13) “…without knowing it (x2).”

Baton Rouge Republican Rick Edmonds says the inability to attend high school football is detrimental to families who feel it’s a time-honored tradition. Edmonds tells state health officer, Dr. Jimmy Guidry, he wants the policy to be reviewed for possible amendments to allow more people in the stands.

Cut 9 (07) “…given to that.”

Many lawmakers say they’ve been flooded with calls from parents who are frustrated with the state’s 25 percent occupancy cap at outdoor sporting events, a limit that prevents communities from enjoying Friday Night Lights together. Many high schools object to that number and point to the higher capacity that’s allowed inside restaurants and casinos.  Assistant state health officer Dr. Joe Kanter defended the current spectator cap by saying it isn’t the social distancing in the stands that is the area of concern.

Cut 7 (10) “…risk of transmission.”

While the state has seemingly had success limiting COVID outbreaks in K-12 schools State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry believes that success is unlikely to last much longer. He expects as the semester continues students will slack off on prevention measures and the virus will spread, helping lead to what he predicts will be another major spike in cases for Flu Season.

Cut 5 (07)  “for us” 

The Main Street Recovery Program which assists small businesses with pandemic recovery losses puts the breaks on applications. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

A Louisiana man has been arrested in Florida for allegedly having a long-term sexual relationship with a Florida minor. 37-year-old Johnathan Rossmoine allegedly lived in that Florida minor’s closet for long periods of time, only coming out when the minor’s parents left the house.

The discussion over the 25-percent maximum capacity at athletic events took the spotlight at a legislative committee this morning.  Baton Rouge Republican Rick Edmonds says the inability to attend high school football is detrimental to families who feel it’s a time-honored tradition.

Cut 6 (10) “…of those families.”

Many high schools object to that number and point to the higher capacity that’s allowed inside restaurants and casinos.  Assistant state health officer Dr. Joe Kanter defended the current spectator cap by saying it isn’t the social distancing in the stands that is the area of concern.

Cut 7 (10) “…risk of transmission.”

Edmunds asked for health officials to give their attendance policy another look.

State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry warns a Legislative committee there will be another spike in COVID cases during flu season, and the spike will rival the numbers we saw in spring.  Guidry says his prediction is based on observations from the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918 where a spring wave subsided only to be replaced by a much deadlier late fall outbreak.

Cut 3 (10)  “people”  

Committee members also questioned Guidry about the small number of totals deaths that were solely attributed to COVID. Guidry says that number is misleading because of the nature of COVID, which pushes people with manageable illnesses to death’s door.

Also at the state capitol, Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has filed legislation to be discussed in the special session that would result in local governments losing state dollars if they reduce their local police department’s budget by 10-percent or more. Harris says the legislature has a duty to intervene in this local budgeting issue.
Cut 9 (11) “…municipality”

The 25-percent maximum capacity at athletic events is the subject of a legislative committee happening now. Many high schools object to that number and point to the higher capacity that’s allowed inside restaurants and casinos. House Education Chairman Ray Garafalo says Friday night football games are an important event for many communities and memorable for students…
Cut 14 (06) “…into these issues.”
The governor’s office says the 25-percent capacity restriction is based on scientific data and guidance from health experts.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has filed legislation to be discussed in the special session that would result in a municipality or public university losing money if they reduce their police department funding by ten-percent…
Cut 8 (12) “…deduction”
Harris calls the bill the Louisiana Police Funding Protection Act.

The Main Street Recovery Program aimed to assist Louisiana small businesses with pandemic recovery is no longer accepting applications. State Treasurer John Schroder says the original amount of $275-million that the legislature set aside for the program is almost allocated.Since the program began accepting applications July 28^th, Schroder says they’ve issued approximately 6-thousand checks. Schroder says he knows businesses need the funds as quickly as possible, but it is not an instantaneous process.

Cut 12 (11) “…a little time.”

The schools of the UL System are participating in an initiative aimed at connecting McNeese State students displaced by Hurricane Laura with resources from other system institutions.  UL System President Jim Henderson says more than 200 McNeese State students have registered for the Cowboy Relief Effort adding that the response has been tremendous from students relieved to hear this type of help is available.

Cut 6 (11) “…is left behind.”

Lawmakers got down to business for the first real day of work in the special session that began Tuesday evening, with major legislation addressing gubernatorial authority during an emergency passing a Senate committee.

The legislation, by Senate President Page Cortez, would mandate the Governor meet with the Legislature before extending any public health emergency or state of emergency order beyond its first 30 days. Cortez says his legislation would create a committee of legislative leaders who the Governor must speak with should he want to extend an expiring public health order.

Cut 3 (08)  “ending”  

But Democrats aren’t happy with efforts to intervene in the Governor’s public health authority. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James called it hypocritical…

Cut 9 (08) “White House”

The legislation moves to the Senate floor.

Hurricane-Laura ravaged southwest Louisiana could get some help from the Capitol this special session. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says his constituents need a number of items addressed from securing school funding to making sure businesses don’t lose their licenses because they were shut down due to storm damage. Johns says his region was devastated.

Cut 14 (12) “billion dollars”

Wednesday morning a Joint Committee will meet to discuss occupancy caps for spectators at athletic events. Chalmette Republican Ray Garafalo says lawmakers want more answers as to why outdoor athletic events are capped at 25% occupancy when indoor restaurants can operate at 75 percent.

Cut 13 (13) “…that question yet.”

A Senate Committee approves legislation aimed at requiring the Governor to consult with the Legislature before extending public health emergencies. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…Matt Doyle”  

Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says instead of attacking the Governor’s authority Democrats will focus on pandemic financial relief, like giving CARES Act money to bar owners and musicians…

Cut 11 (08) “…for them”

Two people are dead after deputies with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office fatally shot a man they witnessed murder his girlfriend on Monday night.  Sheriff Joe Lopinto says deputies arrived to find the couple in the street and arguing prior to the shooting. Lopinto says authorities received a 911 call from a neighbor indicating a male was beating a female.

Cut 7 (08) “…called into 911.”

The victims have been identified as 54-year-old Louvenia Penwright and her partner 57-year-old Willie Shropshire.

Legislators are looking at ways to aid southwest Louisiana recover from Hurricane Laura during the special session. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says they’re considering tax credits, or tax and licensing suspensions to help out businesses who’ve lost everything. He says the devastation has been heartbreaking.

Cut 14 (12) “billion dollars”

Legislation by Senate President Page Cortez requiring the Governor to meet with the Legislature before extending public health emergencies clears committee. Included in the proposal, the Chief Justice of the Louisiana State Supreme Court must also be informed of any decisions ahead of time. Cortez says the ongoing pandemic inspired the legislation.

Cut 5 (09)  “months” 

Democrats are pushing back against those Republican efforts in the special session to restrict or change the Governor’s public health authority or require him to consult with the Legislature. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says nearly all Democrats back the Governor’s pandemic decisions and says there’s a difference between campaigning and governing.

Cut 10 (10) “…for”

Aiding southwest Louisiana with hurricane Laura recovery efforts is a topic of the current special session. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says there’s a series of laws on the books that state if a business is non-operational for a certain amount of time they lose their license.

Cut 13 (09) “…come back”

Johns says his first priority though is securing funding for the region’s school districts.

The state surpasses 5,300 COVID-19 fatalities with 10 new deaths being reported today. The total case count is 165,624… increasing by 553 out of just over 18,000 tests. Hospitalizations increase by 15 to 578, with 80 of those on ventilators.