A onetime confirmed and admitted incoming LSU freshman who filmed himself screaming the n-word on camera along with other racist comments will not be attending the state’s flagship university in fall. LSU has refused to comment further on the subject citing privacy concerns.

More Louisiana residents will be eligible for medical marijuana treatment under legislation signed into law by the governor…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Governor Edwards signs legislation barring residents from suing a restaurant, claiming they got the coronavirus from their business. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says the law will help thwart wasteful litigation, but notes that if restaurants refuse to follow COVID guidelines like mandatory mask wearing for employees they could still get sued.

Cut 6 (09) “…misconduct”

Take-out, drive-thru, and delivery food services are covered under the new law which is retroactive to March 11th.

The State Treasury Department will launch a 300-million dollar small business COVID relief grant program in July as a result of legislation signed by the governor. Treasurer John Schroder says once the program gets started, they will take applications from businesses that did not receive federal coronavirus relief funding

Cut 7 (08) “…benefits”

There are 24 new COVID-19 fatalities reported in the state today, more than the last three days combined. Total deaths: 2,930. Hospitalizations… up by 20, bringing the total to 588. Total cases: 47,706… up by 534, but the Department of Health says 148 of those come from a testing backlog.

Starting sometime in July Louisiana small businesses will be allowed to apply for a state grant worth up to 15,000 dollars to help deal with COVID related losses. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

New research from the personal finance website WalletHub indicates almost 60% of Americans think COVID-19 has changed the way we work for the better.  WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says around a third of Americans feel physical offices are a thing of the past and many will choose where to live based on things other than proximity to the office.

Cut 10 (08) “…nearby outdoor activities.”

About a third of respondents also believe businesses should be held responsible for employees getting sick.

Governor John Bel Edwards signs a bill that greatly expands access to medical marijuana. Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives lobbyist Danny Ford says this measure allows any doctor in good standing to recommend medical cannabis to a patient suffering from a debilitating condition…

Cut 13 (11) “…could help”  

Governor Edwards signs legislation barring residents from suing a restaurant, claiming they got the coronavirus from their business. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says it’s tough to prove where someone contracted COVID-19, but that wouldn’t stop someone from trying…

Cut 5 (10)  “…jobs”

But McMath notes that if restaurants refuse to follow COVID guidelines like mandatory mask wearing for employees they could still get sued.

The Louisiana House has approved two bills that Republicans say will lead to lower auto insurance rates because it would limit what a person can receive in compensation from an auto accident. But New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry remains skeptical…
Cut 15 (10) “…zero.”
The measure heads to the Senate for more consideration. Governor Edwards has already vetoed a similar bill.

Louisiana Highway 1 in Lafourche Parish receives $135 million in federal grant money to construct an 8.3-mile elevated highway from Leeville Bridge to Golden Meadow, making it the largest transportation grant in America. Congressman Garret Graves says the road is vital to get to Port Fourchon.
Cut 11 (13) “…the United States.”
The governor’s office says in order to alleviate the impacts of frequent flooding, the roadway will be elevated 22 feet above sea level and connect to the existing L-A one bridge.

The state reports the third straight day of double digit addition of COVID-19 hospitalizations, bringing the total to 588, up by 20. Total cases: 47,706… up by 534, but the Department of Health says 148 of those come from a testing backlog dating back to mid-April. There are 24 new deaths reported today, more than the last three days combined. Total death toll is at 2,930. Ventilator usage is at 77, up by one.

The House passes another tort reform effort aimed at lowering auto insurance rates, this time with a veto-proof majority.

Bill sponsor Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo says the legislation requires insurance companies to meet with the Insurance Commissioner to see how much money this legislation has saved them…

Cut 14, 4 seconds, accordingly

New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says just because companies are required to meet with the Commissioner, doesn’t mean he can, or will force them to lower rates.

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The Governor vetoed a similar bill in the regular session. This legislation differs from that attempt in that it further lowers the jury trial threshold to 5,000 dollars.

Governor Edwards vetoes a bill passed in the regular session that would create a tax rebate program for COVID impacted businesses citing its cost.

Louisiana among a number of other non-west and east coast states will be uniquely impacted by the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision barring employment discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or transgender status. The legislature shot down past efforts to codify this into Louisiana law, and Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party Stephen Handwerk says this is another step in the right direction for equality for those in the LGBTQ community.

Cut 10 (09) “…a good day.”

Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills has testified against this law in the past. Mills says it may result in unknown ramifications.

Cut 7 (11) “…releasing an employee.”

And Governor Edwards signs into law legislation increasing the penalties for throwing water on, or at a police officer. The new law makes the action “battery of a police officer” which comes with up to six months in jail.

On a 6-3 decision the US Supreme Court outlaws all employment discrimination on the grounds of an employee’s sexual orientation or if they’re transgender. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says based on polling, the public supports the decision…

Cut 14 (10) “…overturn this”

Ciolino says the ruling means Louisiana employers can be sued if an employee believes they were fired because of their sexual orientation or transgender status.

Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center spokesperson Max Ciardullo warns that 41 percent of Louisianans in the end of month Census Household Pulse Survey say they feared not being able to make rent for June, and that two months from now that number could be much higher.

Cut 5 (09)  “…to”

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With a season full of restaurant closures that devastated their sales, wild crawfish fishermen are feeling left out after not receiving any CARES Act funding. 

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Authorities are seeking those responsible for the gunfire that left two people are dead at a large gathering in Raceland.  Lt. Brennan Matherne says the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office says two females, 21-year-old Aliza Gabriel and 20-year-old Tanasa Francis were pronounced dead at the scene.

Cut 7 (10) “…at this time.”

The Supreme Court rules that employees cannot be fired due to their sexual orientation or if they are transgender. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the ruling has added meaning in Louisiana because state law did not protect gays and transgender individuals from workplace discrimination…

Cut 13 (10) “…face legal liability”  

Ciolino says this now puts orientation and transgender status under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Housing advocates ask the Governor to again extend the eviction moratorium that lapsed today. Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center spokesperson Max Ciardullo says evictions put people at high-risk of COVID in a bad spot. He says if you are high-risk and get an eviction notice, know your rights.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…disabilities”

Authorities are seeking those responsible for gunfire that left two people are dead at a large gathering in Raceland.  Just after midnight on Sunday morning, Lt. Brennan Matherne says the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call about a disturbance on St. Louis Street.

Cut 6 (10) “…shots ring out.”

21-year-old Aliza Gabriel and 20-year-old Tanasa Francis, both of Raceland, died in the incident.

Wild crawfish farmers are steaming over federal restrictions on who can and cannot receive CARES Act COVID relief money. Wild crawfish fisherman Jody Meche says crawfish farmers can get cash, but those who fish them in the wild have been left out in the cold. Meche says he spends hundreds of dollars a day on bait and fuel to harvest the mudbugs and the relief money would help with the expenses of not being able to sell his catch because restaurants have not been buying.

Cut 10 (12) “…3 or 4 times.”

Today marks two days in a row the state has seen a noticeable increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations after nearly a week of steadily declining numbers before that. 553 new positive tests are also being reported along with five new deaths. The Department of Health is noting though that 37,000 of the state’s 47,000 total confirmed COVID patients have recovered from the disease.

Governor Edwards has vetoed the tort reform bill…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

21-year-old Aliza Gabriel and 20-year-old Tanasa Francis, both of Raceland, are the two confirmed victims of a shooting in Raceland that occurred just after midnight on Sunday morning.  Lt. Brennan Matherne says the shooting at a gathering of over 100 young people appears to have taken the lives of two who had nothing to do with the altercation that sparked the gunfire.

Cut 7 (10) “…at this time.”

Crawfish farmers may have received funding from the CARES Act, but wild crawfish fishermen are feeling left out as none will receive stimulus money from the legislation.  Wild crawfish fisherman Jody Meche says the he and his peers produce just as much and just as good or better crawfish compared to farmers and there should be no difference in funding.

Cut 9 (09) “…red blooded Americans.”

Housing advocates ask the Governor to again extend the eviction moratorium that lapsed today warning the state could face a public health and homelessness crisis if not.

Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center spokesperson Max Ciardullo says mass evictions will hamper social distancing efforts.

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Ciardullo warns once federal unemployment benefits end in August that evictions could rise substantially.

But Baton Rouge landlord Steve Myers says it does not appear the number of people who could be set to get evicted will be that high. He indicates that the number of delinquent renters has fallen since the pandemic began.

Cut 5 (07) “…percent.”

Landlords who receive federal assistance or federally backed loans may not proceed with evictions until late August.

Authorities are seeking those responsible for gunfire that left two people are dead at a large gathering in Raceland.  Just after midnight on Sunday morning, Lt. Brennan Matherne says the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call about a disturbance on St. Louis Street.

Cut 6 (10) “…shots ring out.”

21-year-old Aliza Gabriel and 20-year-old Tanasa Francis, both of Raceland, were shot and pronounced dead at the scene.

As expected Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the tort reform bill aimed at lowering car insurance rates by making changes to the state’s civil litigation system. Edwards defended the decision saying the bill does not contain a mandate to lower auto insurance rates despite claims from supporters of a guaranteed ten percent rate reduction. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the debate over this bill will continue into the special session.

Cut 14 (12) “…high insurance rates.”

Evictions are scheduled to begin today after being frozen by the Governor since late March. Patrick McCarron with Thomas Jefferson Real Estate says he’s looking forward to proceeding with evictions as it has been a frustrating few months for landlords who’ve had tenants who’ve refused to pay rent.

Cut 4 (09) “government.”

McCarron says during that time landlords have been legally obligated to continue to provide basic services at the properties.

As expected Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the tort reform bill aimed at lowering car insurance rates by making changes to the state’s civil litigation system.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the timing, with just over two weeks left in the special session, indicates Edwards does not believe the veto will be overturned.

Cut 13 (08) “…he did it.” 

The investigation continues into Thursday night’s murder-suicide that resulted in the deaths of four children and two adults at the Parkview Apartments in Monroe. Interim Police Chief Reggie Brown says 30-year-old Brittany Tucker killed a neighbor, her four kids, ranging from five months to 12 years old and then shot herself. Brown says Tucker battled mental illness.

Cut 10 (04) “…to her actions.”

Brown says Tucker was diagnosed with mental illness within the past couple of years and was receiving treatment.

A Louisiana pollster believes it may take up to a week to know the results of the November Presidential election. JMC Analytics and polling founder John Couvillon says even though the delay may frustrate some he still sees mail-in voting as the wave of the future…

Cut 9 (08) “…day.”

Studies suggest there is little to no partisan impact from the adoption of mail-in voting.