Governor Edwards warns the state is on a bad trajectory of COVID case growth that could, if it were to continue, have him consider putting some restrictions back in place. Edwards says the rate of positivity among tests has gone up to just shy of 10% which is the White House’s recommended level for reopening.

Cut 14 (10) “…you did before.”

Over 2,000 new cases were reported today, the 3^rd highest mark since the pandemic began.

Tort reform supporters are taking a victory lap today after yesterday’s bipartisan passage of legislation aimed at lowering auto insurance rates by changing the way lawsuits are handled. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat calls it a historic achievement in what had become one of the most prominent political issues in the state.

Cut 3 (11) ”…insurance  

Southern University unveils its line of THC-based medical marijuana products known as AYO (I-O).  The launch sees the release of six different products including tinctures for use under the tongue.  Southern University President Ray Belton says the products have the ability to contribute to the health and welfare of the state and so much more.

Cut 7 (10) “…on the economy.”

Southern becomes the first HBCU to have THC and CBD product lines.

The Louisiana Department of Veteran’s Affairs is asking citizens to participate in a letter-writing campaign to show support to those in veteran’s homes. Currently, there are more than 600 residents living in five veteran’s homes across the state. LDVA spokesperson Brandee Patrick says  you can find a listing of addresses at VetAffairs.LA.Gov.

Cut 10 (10) “…addresses.”

The Saints Preseason could be set to get two games shorter according to a report from Pro Football Talk. The two most likely games appear to bet he 1^st and fourth games, which means an away game in Los Angeles against the Rams August 14^th and a home game in the dome against the Dolphins September 3rd. This comes as the league is preparing to move ahead with its schedule for the regular season despite a nationwide spike in cases.

Pels rookie sensation Zion Williamson will be one of three cover athletes for NBA 2k21, the long-running basketball video game. Williamson called it a dream come true in an interview with ESPN, saying he’s wanted to grace the cover of that game since he was a kid. Williamson will feature on the front of game boxes for next-gen ps5 and Xbox X consoles, while Portland star guard Damien Lillard will feature on the current-gen ps4 and Xbox One games. A final cover athlete has yet to be announced.

ESPN reports the NBA will not have an age limit for coaches heading into the “bubble” in Disney World for the restart of the NBA season. The league assured coaches and staff that those with those who are high risk for other reasons may be told to stay home.

The Pels are 30 days away from returning to the court in Orlando. Point guard Jrue Holliday says the days off have been nice but…

30

The Pels are 3.5 games back of the 8th seed in the West.

LSU Pitcher Ben McDonald, second basemen Todd Walker, and shortstop Alex Bregman have been named to the ESPN all-time college baseball team.

Baton Rouge will now be one of three locations selected by the feds to ramp up testing by 5000 more tests per day. Edwards says the uptick in coronavirus metrics has garnered the attention of the White House, especially in the Capital Region.

Cut 13 (11) “…be seriously considered.” 

Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome has mandated the use of face coverings while inside of businesses.

Tort reform supporters are taking a victory lap today after yesterday’s bipartisan passage of legislation aimed at lowering auto insurance rates by changing the way lawsuits are handled. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the legislation seemed dead in the water up until just a few hours before the session closed when the Governor struck a deal with Republicans.

Cut 5 (10)  “…the bill”

Southern University unveils its line of THC-based medical marijuana products known as AYO (I-O).  The launch sees the release of six different products including tinctures for use under the tongue.  CEO of Southern’s growing and processing partner Ilera Holistic Healthcare Dr. Chanda Mecias says they are also rolling out topical solutions.

Cut 6 (08) “…just the beginning.”

Louisiana has recently expanded the law to allow any doctor to recommend the product to any patient with a debilitating ailment starting August 1.

The Louisiana Department of Veteran’s Affairs is asking citizens to participate in a letter-writing campaign to show support to those in veteran’s homes. Visitation has been limited due to COVID-19 and LDVA Director of Communications Brandee Patrick says they wanted to boost morale.

9 (08) “…praying for them.”

When it comes to COVID-19 hospitalizations, Governor Edwards says the state has lost all the progress it made in the first half of June in the second half of the month.

Cut 12 (08) “…they’ve ever been.”

Edwards has announced there will be no new restrictions put into place following a report that shows one of the largest single-day increases in COVID-19 cases, just over 2,000, since the beginning of the pandemic.

Orleans and Jefferson Parish have already begun mandating mask usage while inside all businesses as a result of the new spike and today East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announcedMasks will be also mandatory, especially inside businesses. Broome also said she’s not ruling out the possibility of closing bars. East Baton Rouge Parish was the second-highest parish of COVID cases today with 227.

Tort reform supporters are taking a victory lap today after yesterday’s bipartisan passage of legislation aimed at lowering auto insurance rates by changing the way lawsuits are handled. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the bill is packed with items insurers say will save them a lot of money. Once Governor Edwards signs it Pinsonat says the ball moves into the Insurance Commissioner’s court.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…job”

The Louisiana Department of Veteran’s Affairs is asking citizens to participate in a letter-writing campaign to show support to those in veteran’s homes. LDVA Director of Communications Brandee Patrick says in March for the safety of residents, they had to limit visitors to mitigate the spread of the virus. The letter-writing campaign is a way of showing residents they are not forgotten.

Cut 11 (11) “…about them.”

Governor Edwards and Legislative Republicans struck a compromise yesterday to pass what one political analyst calls a historic achievement in the fight against the state’s sky-high auto insurance rates….

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Southern University unveils its line of THC-based medical marijuana products. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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Tort reform supporters are taking a victory lap today after yesterday’s bipartisan passage of legislation aimed at lowering auto insurance rates by changing the way lawsuits are handled.

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat calls it a historic achievement in what had become one of the most prominent political issues in the state.

Cut 3 (11) ”…insurance  

The legislation lowers the jury trial threshold, changes collateral source law, and includes a number of other smaller changes to court proceedings.

Pinsonat says the bill is packed with items insurers say will save them a lot of money. Once Governor Edwards signs it Pinsonat says the ball moves into the Insurance Commissioner’s court.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…job”

The legislation does not include a mandate for lower premiums.

Pinsonat says the legislation seemed dead in the water up until just a few hours before the session closed when the Governor struck a deal with Republicans.

Cut 5 (10)  “…the bill”

Governor Edwards indicated he will sign the legislation into law.

_____________________________________________________

Southern University unveils its line of THC-based medical marijuana products known as AYO (I-O).  The launch sees the release of six different products including tinctures for use under the tongue.  CEO of Southern’s growing and processing partner Ilera Holistic Healthcare Dr. Chanda Mecias says they are also rolling out topical solutions.

Cut 6 (08) “…just the beginning.”

Louisiana has recently expanded the law to allow any doctor to recommend the product to any patient with a debilitating ailment starting August 1.

Southern University President Ray Belton says the products have the ability to contribute to the health and welfare of the state and so much more.

Cut 7 (10) “…on the economy.”

Southern becomes the first HBCU to have THC and CBD product lines.

Executive Director for the Southern Institute for Medicinal Plants Dr. Janana Snowden says it’s rewarding to hear the testimonials from those that need the products.

Cut 8 (09) “…that is indescribable.”

The products are shipping this week and could be hitting the market within two weeks.

_________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Veteran’s Affairs is asking citizens to participate in a letter-writing campaign to show support to those in veteran’s homes. Visitation has been limited due to COVID-19 and LDVA Director of Communications Brandee Patrick says they wanted to boost morale.

9 (08) “…praying for them.”

Currently, there are more than 600 residents living in five veteran’s homes across the state. Patrick says you can find a listing of addresses at VetAffairs.LA.Gov.

Cut 10 (10) “…addresses.”

Patrick says in March when the pandemic broke out for the safety of residents, they had to limit visitors to mitigate the spread of the virus. The letter-writing campaign is a way of showing residents appreciation.

Cut 11 (11) “…about them.”

You can also call the LDVA at 225-219-5000 for more information about Project LOVE.

_________________________________________________________

When it comes to COVID-19 hospitalizations, Governor Edwards says the state has lost all of the progress it made in the first half of June in the second half of the month.

Cut 12 (08) “…they’ve ever been.”

Edwards has announced there will be no new restrictions put into place following a report that shows one of the largest single-day increases in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

Baton Rouge will now be one of three locations selected by the feds to ramp up testing by 5000 more tests per day. Edwards says the uptick in coronavirus metrics has garnered the attention of the White House, especially in the Capital Region.

Cut 13 (11) “…be seriously considered.” 

Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome has mandated the use of face coverings while inside of businesses.

Edwards says the rate of positivity among tests has gone up to just shy of 10% which is the White House’s recommended level for reopening.

Cut 14 (10) “…you did before.”

Tort reform supporters are taking a victory lap today after yesterday’s bipartisan passage of legislation aimed at lowering auto insurance rates by changing the way lawsuits are handled. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the bill is packed with items insurers say will save them a lot of money. Once Governor Edwards signs it Pinsonat says the ball moves into the Insurance Commissioner’s court.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…job”

The legislation does not include a mandate for lower premiums.

Southern University unveils its line of THC-based medical marijuana products known as AYO (I-O).  The launch sees the release of six different products.  Executive Director for the Southern Institute for Medicinal Plants Dr. Janana Snowden says it’s rewarding to hear the testimonials from those that need the products.
Cut 8 (09) “…that is indescribable.”

The Louisiana Department of Veteran’s Affairs is asking citizens to participate in a letter-writing campaign to show support to those in veteran’s homes. COVID-19 and LDVA spokesperson Brandee Patrick says in March when the pandemic broke out for the safety of residents, they had to limit visitors to mitigate the spread of the virus. The letter-writing campaign is a way of showing residents appreciation.

Cut 11 (11) “…about them.”

The Legislature approved a series of tax breaks for COVID-impacted businesses. Governor Edwards says he has his concerns with passing tax breaks at a time when revenue is already suffering.

Cut 14 (09) “…go back”

Proponents of the tax breaks say they are necessary to save businesses on the brink right now financially.

Tort reform supporters are taking a victory lap today after yesterday’s bipartisan passage of legislation aimed at lowering auto insurance rates by changing the way lawsuits are handled. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat calls it a historic achievement in what had become one of the most prominent political issues in the state.
Cut 3 (11) ”…insurance  
Governor Edwards indicated he supports the legislation.

The Legislature approved a 34 billion dollar operating budget for the fiscal year that starts today, one that looks fairly similar to the on Governor Edwards proposed. Despite the influx of hundreds of millions of dollars in CARES Act money, Edwards warns there will still have to be some cuts due to COVID-related revenue shortfalls.

Cut 13 (11) “amounts” 

Southern University unveils its line of THC-based medical marijuana products known as AYO (I-O).  The launch sees the release of six different products including tinctures for use under the tongue.  Southern University President Ray Belton says the products have the ability to contribute to the health and welfare of the state and so much more.

Cut 7 (10) “…on the economy.”

Southern becomes the first HBCU to have THC and CBD product lines.

The Louisiana Department of Veteran’s Affairs is asking citizens to participate in a letter-writing campaign to show support to those in veteran’s homes. Currently, there are more than 600 residents living in five veteran’s homes across the state. Visitation has been limited due to COVID-19 and LDVA Director of Communications Brandee Patrick says you can find a listing of addresses at VetAffairs.LA.Gov.

Cut 10 (10) “…addresses.”

Louisiana reports over 2,000 new COVID-19 cases, the 3^rd largest single-day increase since the pandemic began and the highest since April 4^th, the peak of the pandemic. We now have over 60,000 positive tests since March. 14 more people have been hospitalized as well, along with 17 new deaths. Orleans and Jefferson Parish have already begun mandating mask usage while inside all businesses as a result of the new spike.

Southern University unveils its line of THC-based medical marijuana products known as AYO (I-O).  The launch sees the release of six different products including tinctures for use under the tongues.  CEO of Ilera Holistic Healthcare Dr. Chanda Mecias they are also rolling out topical solutions.

Cut 6 (08) “…just the beginning.”

Louisiana law prohibits medical marijuana to be used in a smokable form.

The Louisiana Department of Veteran’s Affairs is asking citizens to participate in a letter-writing campaign to show support to those in veteran’s homes. Visitation has been limited due to COVID-19 and Louisiana Department of Veteran’s Affairs Director of Communications Brandee Patrick says they wanted to boost morale.

9 (08) “…praying for them.”

Currently, there are more than 600 residents living in five veteran’s homes across the state. You can also call the LDVA at 225-219-5000 for more information about Project LOVE.

Civil lawsuit reform legislation is headed to the Governor’s desk that supporters say may lower auto insurance rates. The bill was passed on veto-proof lines but is less expansive than previous tort legislation that was shot down by the Governor. Crowley Representative John Stefanski calls it an important step forward.
Cut 4 (11)_ “…rates.”
The bill passed with a few hours left in the special session.

The Legislature approves a 34 billion dollar operating budget for the fiscal year that starts today, one that looks fairly similar to the on Governor Edwards proposed. The Legislature also approved a series of tax breaks for COVID-impacted businesses. Edwards says he has his concerns with passing tax breaks at a time when revenue is already suffering.
Cut 14 (09) “…go back”

Senator Bill Cassidy says he expects another federal stimulus package to be passed sometime in late July. Cassidy aims to have CARES 4.0 focused on covering the estimated 500 billion dollars of lost revenue for local governments nationwide.When asked how big the next stimulus might be Cassidy expressed concern that about 50 percent of the money allocated for COVID recovery hasn’t even been spent yet.

Cut 9 (07) “…resources”

The Louisiana National Guard will be performing more hospital flyovers today honoring first responders and frontline healthcare workers.  Several months ago, flyovers were performed, but they didn’t hit every hospital in the state. Louisiana’s Army aviation commander Col. John Plunkett says the routing of these flights should hit Slidell, Hammond, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Shreveport, and Monroe.

Cut 11 (09) “…will see us.”