10:30 AM Newscast

Businesses with fewer than 50 employees can now apply for grant money through the Main Street Recovery Program. Eligible businesses can receive up to 15-thousand dollars in no-strings-attached cash. State Treasurer John Schroder says this is different from the PPP Loans handed out by the feds earlier in the pandemic…
Cut 8 (10) “…that back”
Applicants can be completed at Louisiana-main-street-dot-com.

The governor’s office is celebrating a big economic development win as education software company SchoolMint announces it’s moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Lafayette. Governor John Bel Edwards says this is further evidence of the state’s economic growth for the 21st century.

Cut 13 (12) “…ecosystem for Louisiana.” 

SchoolMint’s decision will result in nearly 400 new jobs in the Lafayette area.

Imperial Health Urgent Care Center in Calcasieu Parish is the only healthcare facility in the state participating in a nationwide clinical trial for an experimental new COVID treatment. Doctor Jason Morris says they are working with a pharmaceutical company to see if monoclonal antibodies can kill the virus in an infected patient. Morris says if you go to an urgent care facility with COVID-like symptoms you’ll be given a quick test and if positive asked to join the trial. If you do…

Cut 10 (07) “…paitent.”

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association says a rise in chronic conditions is putting more Louisiannians at risk for colorectal cancer. Doctor Jeremy Wigginton says early detection is key, and many times during colonoscopies, preventative measures can be taken during the screening.

Cut 6 (13) “…even becomes cancer.”

AM Newscall 07/28/2020

A rise in chronic conditions is putting more Louisiana residents at risk for colorectal cancer.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The Main Street Recovery Program application process opens at 9 AM today and State Treasurer John Schroder encourages small business owners not to wait on their chance at up to 15,000 dollars…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The Imperial Heath Urgent Care Center in Moss Bluff is seeking COVID-positive patients to participate in a nationwide clinical trial testing the effectiveness of a new COVID treatment. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle  

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According to a study from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, a rise in chronic conditions is putting more Louisiana residents at risk for colorectal cancer.  Medical Director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Dr. Jeremy Wigginton says there has been a substantial uptick in cancer cases for those with inflammatory colon conditions.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…of the nation.”

Diabetes and diagnosed obesity are also contributing factors and Louisiana saw significant increases in all of these major risk factors in the study period between 2014 and 2018.

Wigginton says someone with a history of such conditions should talk to a doctor about when to get screened.  Wigginton adds that the screening process has become much easier in recent years and people just need to get it done.
Cut 5 (10)  “…not getting screened.”

Wigginton says early detection is key, and many times during colonoscopies, preventative measures can be taken during the screening.

Cut 6 (13) “…even becomes cancer.”

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Starting at 9 AM today businesses with fewer than 50 people can begin applying for Main Street Recovery Grants through the State Treasurer.

Eligible businesses can receive up to 15,000 dollars in no-strings-attached cash, but Treasurer John Schroder expects the limited fund will be exceeded in seven days.

Cut 7 (11) “…Louisiana.”

Applicants should visit Louisianamainstreet.com.

Schroder says this is different from the PPP Loans handed out by the feds earlier in the pandemic…

Cut 8 (10) “…that black”

Businesses must have a brick and mortar location, and only businesses that did not receive federal assistance will be given money during the first 21 days.

Schroder says while the program isn’t coming directly from the federal government, the cash is.

Cut 9 (10) “…million.”

The program was controversial when first proposed in the Legislature. Opponents noted it took money away from funds designated to help local governments.

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If you have COVID and you live in the Lake Charles area the Imperial Heath Urgent Care Center in Moss Bluff would like you to participate in a clinical trial for an experimental new treatment.

Facility Director Dr. Jason Morris says if you present at the urgent care with COVID-like symptoms you’ll be given a quick test and if positive asked to join the trial. If you do…

Cut 10 (07) “…paitent.”

The initial infusion will take about an hour, and you’ll be monitored for several hours afterward.

Morris says you’ll then be enrolled in an 85-day trial and asked to monitor your symptoms and be available to have blood work done on you.

Cut 11 (07) “…commitment.”

Morris says several patients have already seen positive outcomes from the treatment at Imperial.

Morris says they want to really nail down how much of the treatment they need to administer for it to be effective.

Cut 12 (07) “…around.”

The study has already enrolled 20 of the 40 participants it is seeking.

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The Acadiana area is seeing the addition of nearly 400 new jobs as educational software company SchoolMint announces it will be moving their headquarters from San Francisco to Lafayette.  Governor John Bel Edwards was on hand for the announcement has says this is further evidence of the state’s economic growth for the 21st century.

Cut 13 (12) “…ecosystem for Louisiana.” 

The move comes following SchoolMint’s acquisition of Lafayette-based Smart Choice Technologies in 2019.  The company will retain the 13 existing jobs at the Lafayette office as well as consolidating offices located in New York and Miami to the area.

Edwards says SchoolMint will create 178 direct new jobs.

Cut 14 (10) “…indirect new jobs.”

The company will make a capital investment into new facilities at just over a half-million dollars.

Edwards says the decision to come to Lafayette is based on several factors.

Cut 15 (12) “…of local talent.” 

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Veterans on the Saints report for training camp today but it will be a few days before they get on the field. Players must pass three COVID tests during a four-day period before they can enter the team’s training facility in Metairie. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the Saints are positioned well to handle this unique season

Cut 16 (25) “…have to handle.” 

The NFL and its players’ association have agreed to an extensive list of health and safety protocols and players will be tested often. But Detllier says there will be hiccups along the way and players will still test positive

Cut 17  (17) “…in the NFL” 

There will be no preseason games this year and training camp rosters are 80 players, instead of 90. Detillier says it will be harder for coaches to evaluate players on their own team and they also don’t have tape on players from other teams…

Cut 18  (29) “…that now”   

Padded practices will not start for the Saints until August 17th.

530 PM LRN News

The Main Street Recovery Program will begin accepting applications at 9 AM tomorrow from small businesses impacted by the pandemic. State Treasurer John Schroder says Eligible businesses can receive up to 15,000 dollars, and the money will be sent out on a first-come-first-served basis. They’ll be taking applications online…

Cut 4 (10)_ “dot com”

For the first 21 days, the program will only disburse funds to businesses that did not receive federal assistance or insurance payments.

If you’ve received a mystery package of seeds from China or Eastern Europe, the Ag Commissioner is asking you to please not open the package, and if you do, do not dispose of the seeds or plant them. Mike Strain says authorities will come to you to handle the disposal of the mystery seeds.

Cut 8 (05) “…up these seeds”

The issue appears toe nationwide.

Former Vernon Parish Sheriff and former State Representative Frank Howard has died at the age of 81 due to complications from COVID-19.  Howard was Sheriff for 24 years.  Current Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft remembers his predecessor as one to constantly be involved in the community.

Cut 12 (09) “…best he could.” 

Following a few years of retirement from law enforcement, Howard was elected to be a state representative and served three terms in that position before being termed out in 2019.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has shut down all Willie’s Chicken Shack locations in the city after one shop reportedly sold go-cups over the weekend. Cantrell says the shutdown sends the message that the city is serious about enforcing its COVID health orders.

Cut 11 (07) “comply

Bars and restaurants are prohibited from selling to go cups in New Orleans.

4:30 PM Newscast

Louisiana small businesses can begin applying for a grant worth up to 15,000 dollars tomorrow as part of the Main Street Recovery Program. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle  

Over 2,300 new COVID-19 cases have been reported by the state today to bring Louisiana’s grand total to just shy of 110-thousand cases. Fatalities increase by 23.  Hospitalizations are at 1600.  Daily percentage of positive tests: 8.8%.

Former Vernon Parish Sheriff and former State Representative Frank Howard has died at the age of 81 due to complications from COVID-19.  Current Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says Howard had a soft spot in his heart for the elderly community.  As Sherrif, Howard started the triad program to assist seniors.
Cut 14 (12) “…for the public.”
Governor Edwards will order flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Howard at the State Capitol and other state buildings the day he is laid to rest.
The Department of Agriculture and Forestry is warning residents of mystery seeds being delivered through the mail that may contain some sort of plant pest or disease.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says if you receive a mystery package, don’t hesitate to contact authorities.
Cut 7 (07) “…Ag and Forestry..”
Strain says authorities will come to you to handle the disposal of the
mystery seeds.

330 PM LRN News

State Treasurer John Schroder warns the Main Street Recovery Program, state-run grant program for small businesses impacted by the pandemic, will run out of money within a week once applications open at 9 AM tomorrow. Eligible businesses can receive up to 15,000 dollars in reimbursement for expenses incurred during the shutdown. Schroder calls it no strings attached, and expansive…

Cut 3 (06)  “…operate”  

 

Businesses must have a brick and mortar location and fewer than 50 employees to be eligible.

The Department of Agriculture and Forestry is warning residents of mystery seeds being delivered through the mail that may contain some sort of plant pest or disease.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the seeds have been received via unsolicited packages by people across the US, including Louisiana.

Cut 6 (08) “…appears eastern Europe.”

 

 

Former Vernon Parish Sheriff and former State Representative Frank Howard has died at the age of 81 due to complications from COVID-19.  Howard was Sheriff for 24 years. Following a few years of retirement from law enforcement, Howard was elected to be a state representative and served three terms in that position before being termed out in 2019.  Current Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says Howard became a fixture in the area’s political circle.

Cut 13 (11) “…in our area.” 

 

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell orders all locations of Willie’s Chicken Shack closed due to violations of the city’s ban on to-go drinks. Cantrell says the there was ample evidence of non-compliance at the locations and a task force was dispatched to investigate.

Cut 9 (12) “…that’s it”

 

Willie’s released a statement saying patrons refused to comply with the order and they support the city’s public health efforts.

230 PM LRN News

The State Treasury Department will begin accepting applications for the Main Street Recovery Program, a grant program aimed at COVID-impacted small businesses, starting tomorrow at 9 AM. State Treasurer John Schroder expects the program be over its funding capacity in the first ten days because 275 million dollar program isn’t a lot of money in a state of 457,000 small businesses…

Cut 5 (10)  “…interest.”

The money will be sent out on a first-come-first-served basis.

The Department of Agriculture and Forestry is warning residents of mystery seeds being delivered through the mail that may contain some sort of plant pest or disease.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the product is being shipped from mystery sources in China and Eastern Europe, and authorities will come to you to handle the disposal of the mystery seeds.

Cut 8 (05) “…up these seeds”

Former Vernon Parish Sheriff and former State Representative Frank Howard has died at the age of 81 due to complications from COVID-19. Jeff Palermo has more.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell orders a business to close due to violation of public health orders related to COVID. It’s anyone’s guess as to when Willie’s Chicken Shack locations can reopen…

Cut 10 (10) “…there”

12:30 PM Newscast

The Department of Agriculture and Forestry is warning residents of mystery seeds being delivered through the mail that may contain some sort of plant pest or disease.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says if you receive a mystery package, don’t hesitate to contact authorities.
Cut 7 (07) “…Ag and Forestry..”
Strain says authorities will come to you to handle the disposal of the mystery seeds.
New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell orders all locations of Willie’s Chicken Shack closed due to violations of the city’s ban on to-go drinks. Cantrell says the there was ample evidence of non-compliance at the locations and a task force was dispatched to investigate.

Cut 9 (12) “…that’s it”

Willie’s released a statement saying patrons refused to comply with the order and they support the city’s public health efforts. Over 2,300 new COVID-19 cases have been reported by the state today.

Louisiana small businesses can begin applying for a grant worth up to 15,000 dollars tomorrow as part of the Main Street Recovery Program. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle  

1130 AM LRN News

Application for a state-run grant program for small businesses impacted by the pandemic begins tomorrow. Eligible businesses can receive up to 15,000 dollars in reimbursement for expenses incurred during the shutdown. State Treasurer John Schroder calls it no strings attached, and expansive…

Cut 3, 6 seconds, operate

Businesses must have a brick and mortar location and fewer than 50 employees to be eligible.

The Department of Agriculture and Forestry is warning residents of mystery seeds being delivered through the mail that may contain some sort of plant pest or disease.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the seeds have been received via unsolicited packages by people across the US, including Louisiana.

Cut 6 (08) “…appears eastern Europe.”

Strain says he’s been in contact with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service about the issue.

A study from the career website Zippia polled 2,000 people nationwide to find out how likable their bosses are and the top things they hate about their bosses.  Head of content at Zippia Kathy Morris says the study indicates physical proximity is a factor as the further away a boss is, there is an increased chance that a worker will dislike them.

Cut 12 (10) “…hate your boss.”

SEC presidents and athletic directors will hold a series of virtual meetings this week to discuss fall sports plans. College football insider Brett McMurphy says because so many states are struggling to contain the coronavirus, it’s unlikely the college football season will kick off Labor Day weekend

Cut 13 (07) “…early October” 

The PAC-12 and Big 10 have already made the decision to play conference only football schedules this season. 

10:30 AM Newscast

The ACLU is looking for Louisianans who feel they were the victim of racist policing to help them file lawsuits challenging discriminatory policies. ACLU Louisiana Legal Director Nora Ahmed says if you are concerned about coming forward because it could lead to retaliation from law enforcement, your initial statement will remain confidential…
Cut 6 (09) “..fears”
This includes racially motivated traffic stops, searches, seizures, detainments, and incidents where police dogs were used to assault people on racial grounds.

With schools set to resume soon, state health officials are concerned many children are not up to date on their vaccinations. During the early portion of the pandemic, many elective medical procedures were put on hold and State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says that dropped the rate of vaccinations.

Cut 7 (05) “…had a pandemic.”

SEC presidents and athletic directors will hold a series of virtual meetings this week to discuss fall sports plans. College football insider Brett McMurphy says because so many states are struggling to contain the coronavirus, it’s unlikely the college football season will kick off Labor Day weekend

Cut 13 (07) “…early October” 

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said earlier this month that the league will make an announcement in late July on whether it can start the season on time.

A study from the career website Zippia indicates more than one in six Louisiana workers hate their boss. Head of content at Zippia Kathy Morris says the study also shows physical proximity is a factor, as the further away a boss is, there is an increased chance that a worker will dislike them.
Cut 12 (10) “…hate your boss.”

5:30 PM Newscast

Senator Bill Cassidy filed his papers today in Baton Rouge to run for a second term in office. The Senator says he plans to connect with voters during his campaign, even though there will not be a lot of personal interaction…

Cut 8 (08) “…people”

Qualifying closed with 14 opponents for Cassidy.  Plus nine candidates signed up for the 5th district congressional race.  The primary election is November 3rd.

Tropical Storm Hanna is eyeing a landfall as a hurricane near Corpus Christi, Texas tomorrow, but it will produce rainfall in south Louisiana this weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says is not expecting significant flooding

Cut 3 (11)  “…handle it.”  

Hanna will produce numerous thunderstorms and some rain bands in Louisiana.

 

 

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announces that starting on Saturday bars and restaurants will be prohibited from selling takeout alcoholic beverages. New Orleans Health Director Doctor Jennifer Avengo says shutting down bars completely and limiting social gatherings is a necessary step to slow the spread of COVID-19 community transmission

Cut 14 (10) “…back to school”

The city is also reducing the size of indoor social gatherings to no more than 25 people. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people.

As hospitals across the state reach capacity with COVID-19 patients, some healthcare facilities have enough beds, but they are having staffing issues to provide adequate care for patients.  As daily case counts continue to set records across the state with community spread, Our Lady of the Lourdes C-M-O Doctor Henry Kaufman in Lafayette says they are seeing their staff contract COVID as a result.

Cut 10 (07) “…our physicians.”