New ownership of the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete has discontinued the roadside zoo attraction that has garnered a lot of attention over the years.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

 Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

COVID cases are rising sharply, but ventilator use and deaths are not following at the same rate, so why is that? Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

The Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete is changing ownership and the new proprietors will no longer display the collection of exotic animals that have put a spotlight on the business.  The flagship animal, a 550-pound Bengal tiger named Tony, died in 2017.  Now-former owner Michael Sandlin says that death hit him hard.

Cut 3 (08)  “…getting another tiger.”  

Following the euthanizing of Tony the Tiger due to age-related health issues, the main attraction became Caspar the Camel.  The camel and a kangaroo are now residing at the Alexandria Zoological Park.  Sandlin says he still owns some of the other animals.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…at my homestead.”

Sandlin considers himself and animal welfare advocate and says stepping away from the ownership of the truck stop and roadside zoo has been an emotional process.

Cut 5 (09)  “…me I think.”

The Tiger Truck Stop has been no stranger to controversy over the years, most recently drawing attention after a Florida woman bit the camel’s testicles after entering the animal’s enclosure to retrieve her dog.

______________________

COVID cases are surging and hospitalization numbers are rising sharply as well, but deaths and ventilator use are not following at the same rate as the state’s first wave in April. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says it appears to be because this new wave of cases is disproportionately young people.

Cut 6 (10) “…people”

Hart says Ochsner currently has plenty of ventilator capacity, but that hospital bed usage has seen a big increase over the last month.

Dr. Hart says healthcare providers have also developed new techniques to aid COVID patients that were not available in March and April, including an antiviral that is much more accessible.

Cut 7 (11) “without”

Early in the pandemic hospitals were reporting a concerning decline in the number of people going to the ER or visiting clinics for non-COVID treatments that could be vital for maintaining their health, but Ochsner CEO Warner Thomas says patients appear to be a lot more comfortable going back to their healthcare providers these days.

Cut 8 (10) “…now”

_______________________

The Office of Motor Vehicles is expanding the number of offices that will operate using only online appointment scheduling by seven.

OMV Spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says it’s a good way to provide a safer, more convenient experience that avoids making people wait outside when the building hits capacity.

Cut 9 (10) “…outside.”

Boudreaux says the online scheduler is very easy to use.

Cut 10 (09) “…information.”

Boudreaux says they’re going to monitor these locations and if the process works out consider implementing it as a normal business practice even after the pandemic passes.

Cut 11 (07) “…good thing.”

Breaux Bridge, Marksville, Opelousas, Plaquemine, Thibodaux, Vivian, and West Monroe join the nine other existing OMV offices to move to online scheduling.

_________________________________________________________

A Lake Charles man who authorities say fatally shot two people and left a third-person fighting for her life is now in custody. Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the manhunt that went on for over 24 hours wrapped up when 51-year-old Neil Broussard surrendered by going to a Dollar General and asking an employee to call the cops.

Cut 12 (12) “…heroic of them.”

Broussard was arrested at the store near the wooded area in Beauregard Parish where authorities had been searching for him. Mancuso says the man did not have the murder weapon on him at the time of arrest and they have not gotten a confession out of the suspect.

Cut 13 (09) “…to continue working.” 

Mancuso says a motive for Broussard’s actions is still unclear.

Cut 14 (06) “…would like that.”

Broussard is accused of killing 17-year-old Kyla Hildalgo and 18-year-old Kaleb Charlton at a home in Westlake.  A third victim, 40-year-old Catherine Hidalgo was shot multiple times and is currently hospitalized.

A Lake Charles man who authorities say fatally shot two people and left third-person fighting for her life is now in custody. Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the manhunt that went on for over 24 hours wrapped up when 51-year-old Neil Broussard surrendered by going to a Dollar General and asking an employee to call the cops.

Cut 12 (12) “…heroic of them.”

Broussard is accused of killing 17-year-old Kyla Hildalgo and 18-year-old Kaleb Charlton at a home in Westlake.  A third victim, 40-year-old Catherine Hidalgo was shot multiple times and is currently hospitalized.

The Pelicans have announced that rookie Zion Williamson has left the NBA bubble in Walt Disney World to attend to an urgent family medical matter. Team officials say Williamson is expected to return to Orlando for the NBA restart at a later date.

New Covid-19 numbers from the state health department show an increase of 2,280 cases, the daily percent of positive tests is at 9.96 just under 10 percent. 24 more deaths reported today for a total now of 3,375.

Hospitalizations increased today by 32 to 1,401 and vent usage is up by 13 to 162.

Early in the pandemic hospitals were reporting a concerning decline in the number of people going to the ER or visiting clinics for non-COVID treatments that could be vital for maintaining their health, but Ochsner CEO Warner Thomas says patients appear to be a lot more comfortable going back to their healthcare providers these days.

Cut 8 (10) “…now”

The governor put a moratorium on elective surgeries early in the pandemic that were allowed to resume April 27^th.

COVID cases are up and hospitalization numbers are rising as well, but deaths and vent usage are not following at the same rate as the state’s first wave in April. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says it appears this wave is disproportionately young people and they’ve developed new techniques to aid COVID patients that weren’t available in earlier in the pandemic, including a more accessible antiviral.

Cut 7 (11) “without”

Hospitalizations increased today by 32 to 1,401 and vent usage is up by 13 to 162.

A Slidell day worker 34-year old Leann Simon, faces one count of second-degree cruelty to a juvenile. The St. Tammany Parish sheriff’s office says they were contacted by the parents of a two-year-old child on July 8^th after the toddler was taken to a hospital and doctors determined the child’s arm was broken.

Stephen Handwerk is stepping away from his position at the helm of the Louisiana Democratic Party.  Handwerk is the longest-serving executive director for the party and says it is time to pursue new challenges.

Cut 13 (09) “…done my time.” 

The Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete is changing ownership and the new proprietors will no longer display the collection of exotic animals. Former owner Michael Sandlin considers himself an animal welfare advocate and says stepping away from the ownership of the truck stop and roadside zoo has been an emotional process.

Cut 5 (09)  “…me I think.”

The Tiger Truck Stop has been no stranger to controversy over the years, most recently drawing attention after a Florida woman bit Casper the Camel’s testicles after entering the animal’s enclosure to retrieve her dog.

New Covid-19 numbers from the state health department show an increase of 2,280 cases and 24 more deaths reported, for a total now of 3,375 and hospitalization data has is yet to be posted for the day. Governor Edwards will have a hold a press briefing this afternoon at 2:30.

COVID cases are rising sharply, but ventilator use and deaths are not following at the same rate, so why is that? Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

In West Monroe, a 64-year man hit a police officer with his car after he was asked to wear a face mask in Walmart.  Police say Ricky Taylor refused to give the officer his identification and when the officer was writing down his license plate Taylor then struck the officer with his car.  Another officer had to arrest Taylor and a struggle ensued. Taylor was booked on charges of resisting an officer, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle and disturbing the peace.

The Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete is changing owners and the new proprietors will no longer have exotic animals.  The flagship Bengal tiger named Tony, died in 2017 and the truck stop gained national attention last fall when Casper the Camel was involved in a nutty altercation with a Florida woman. Former owner Michael Sandlin says he still owns some of the animals that used to reside at the truck stop.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…at my homestead.”

The Casper and a kangaroo from the truck stop now reside at the Alexandria Zoological Park.

COVID cases are surging and hospitalization numbers are rising sharply as well, but deaths and ventilator use and deaths are not following at the same rate as the state’s first wave in April. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says it appears to be because this new wave of cases is disproportionately young people.

Cut 6, 10 seconds, people

There are 149 Louisianans on ventilators for COVID at the moment, up from the June 9^th’s low of 67, but still far below where we were during the April peak.

The Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete is changing ownership and the new proprietors will no longer display the collection of exotic animals that have put a spotlight on the business.  The flagship animal, a 550-pound Bengal tiger named Tony, died in 2017.  Now-former owner Michael Sandlin says that death hit him hard.

Cut 3 (08)  “…getting another tiger.”  

Consumers are planning to spend a record amount to prepare students for heading back to school and college. Brooke Thorington has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

To help with the unique circumstances many find themselves in these days the Office of Motor Vehicles is moving seven locations away from traditional show-up and wait services to online appointment scheduling only. The offices in Breaux Bridge, Marksville, Opelousas, Plaquemine, Thibodaux, Vivian, and West Monroe will be transitioning into online only. Masks will be required to enter the building.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces the state has surpassed one million COVID-19 tests administered since March. The governor says testing, contact tracing, and reasonable regulations like mask-wearing while in public can reduce the spread of the coronavirus…

Cut 13 (09) “…the masks.” 

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education adopts a list of minimum COVID safety standards that school districts will be called on to implement once classes resume. The recommendations cover everything from mandatory face coverings to group size maximums. Children’s Hospital Chief Quality Officer Dr. Leron Finger says if schools follow these rules…
Cut 3 (11)  “…to school.”  

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies are searching for a Lake Charles man who authorities say fatally two people and left a third-person fighting for her life at a home in Westlake. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says his deputies were called to the home around 4AM after 51-year-old Neil Broussard fled the scene.
Cut 9 (11) “…shot multiple times.”
The deceased have been identified as 17-year-old Kyla Hildalgo and 18-year-old Kaleb Charlton. Police says it was 40-year-old Catherine Hidalgo, who called 911, she’s currently in the hospital.

The Louisiana Department of Revenue says they are having network connectivity issues with the website where front-line workers can apply for a 250-dollar hazard paycheck. Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson says the technical issue is also impacting those who are trying to file their state income taxes.

Cut 8 (05) “…very soon”

BESE formally adopts a list of minimum safety standard recommendations like mandatory face coverings and busing policy for schools to implement before classes begin. Matt Doyle covered the meeting…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

A statewide mask mandate went into effect Monday and bars are also closed. White House coronavirus response coordinator Deborah Birx says you should not have large gatherings at your house either…

Cut 14 (06) “…you have”

The Louisiana Department of Revenue says a computer network connectivity problem created issues earlier today with the website where front-line workers can apply for a 250-dollar “hazard pay” check. Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson Frontlineworkers.la.gov began accepting applications at midnight and by seven AM they accepted more than 14-thousand applications. Robinson says they have funding available for 200-thousand applicants…

Cut 7 (07) “October 31st”

At around 2:00 this afternoon the web page was back up and accepting applications.

State Attorney General Jeff Landry issues an opinion on the Governor’s Executive Order. Landry says while the mask mandate, 50-person limit, and closure of bars, may be good recommendations they may not be enforced with financial or criminal penalties. Landry said the mandates are not consistent with statutory authority and Constitutional provisions.

Attorney General Jeff Landry issues a legal opinion that says Governor Edwards order that requires masks, closes bars and limits crowd sizes is likely unconstitutional and unenforceable. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Over 2,000 newly confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the state along with 14 additional deaths Seven hospitalizations were also added to the report bringing the daily total to 1,369.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces the state has surpassed one million COVID-19 tests administered to residents since March. Edwards says Louisiana is testing at one of the highest levels of any state

Cut 12 (10) “…as well.”

The governor says testing, contact tracing, and reasonable regulations like mask wearing for people eight and older while in public can reduce the spread of the coronavirus

The Louisiana Department of Revenue says a state computer network connectivity problem created issues earlier today with the website where front-line workers can apply for a 250-dollar “hazard pay” check. Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson says the Office of Technology Services noticed the problem this morning…

Cut 6 (08) “…connectivity issues”

At around 2:00 this afternoon the web page was back up and accepting applications. The state income tax deadline has also been extended due to the issue to Friday, July 17^th.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces the state has surpassed one million COVID-19 tests administered since March. The governor says testing, contact tracing, and reasonable regulations like mask-wearing while in public can reduce the spread of the coronavirus…

Cut 13 (09) “…the masks.” 

State Attorney General Jeff Landry issues an opinion on the Governor’s Executive Order. Landry says while the mask mandate, 50-person limit, and closure of bars, may be good recommendations they may not be enforced with financial or criminal penalties. Landry said the mandates are not consistent with statutory authority and Constitutional provisions. Landry announced Tuesday he’s tested positive for COVID-19.

The state department of revenue’s website is operating again after technical issues caused problems for first-line workers applying for $250 hazard checks and those filing their state taxes due today.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education adopts a list of minimum COVID safety standards for school districts. The recommendations cover everything from mandatory face coverings to group size maximums. Some spoke out against the recommendations, including Tangipahoa Parish School Board Member Brett Duncan who says he supports many of the standards, but…

Cut 5 (10)  “…skills.”

Several school districts have already decided to delay the start of school.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies are searching for 51-year-old Neil Broussard of Lake Charles who they say fatally two people and left a third-person fighting for her life at a home in Westlake. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says if anyone knows the whereabouts of Broussard, they should call 911 and not attempt to approach him as he is considered armed and dangerous.

Cut 11 (10) “…as of yet.”