The Louisiana Department of Health is reminding the public to catch up on the routine vaccinations that may have gone by the wayside due to the shelter in place order and closure of many medical offices.  State immunization director Dr. Frank Welch says skipping vaccines can have disastrous consequences in the future.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…something like that.”

State and federal data show a sharp drop in vaccine orders from January through April.

As protestors nationwide demand changes in policing policy, Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome says the city’s police union has been an obstruction to reform within the department. Broome says they need greater flexibility to identify and remove bad cops from the department, and the union makes that difficult to do.

Cut 7 (08) “…here”

The 2020 dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is projected to be four times larger this year than the Hypoxia Action Plan goal established 19 years ago called for. LSU Marine Science Professor Nancy Rabalias says this year’s 7,769 square mile dead zone is roughly the size of New Hampshire.

Cut 9 (05) “…years.”

The dead zone stretches along the bottom of the continental shelf along Texas and Louisiana.

The state reports 234 new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the state’s total tally to 43,050. In the weekly update, nearly 34,000 of those cases are presumed to have recovered. Total fatalities: 2,831, up 6. Hospitalizations: 582, up 7. Ventilator usage: 71, down 3.

As protestors nationwide demand changes in policing policy Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome says the city’s police union has been an obstruction to reform within the department. Broome told Talk Louisiana that the union’s problem is that it protects bad apples…

Cut 6 (12) “…cops”

The Minneapolis City Council announced veto-proof support for moving ahead with dismantling the Minneapolis Police Department. Broome says they, as of now, have no plans of pursuing similar policy.

State immunization director Dr. Frank Welch says now that the stay at home order is over its time for you to go back to your doctor’s office and get your vaccinations.

Cut 3 (10)  “…get their vaccines.”  

Disaster food stamp assistance will not be activated for Cristobal as the state appears to have been let off pretty easy. That being said the Department of Children and Family Services is asking the public to pre-register for D-SNAP should we face a more damaging system later in the season. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says D-SNAP helps people who have lost food as a result of a disaster.

Cut 10 (11) “…snap process”

Walters says go to www.dcfs.la.gov/dsnap to register.

It’s the first day on the new job for Louisiana’s new Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley who will oversee public schools following the departure of John White. The 39-year-old grew up in Sabine Parish and says this is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Cut 7 (10) “…way to go.”

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has issued two apologies, one handwritten, the other video, for the controversial comments regarding players protesting the anthem. Brees’ first apology was posted on Instagram on Thursday morning. Later that day, he produced a video apology so the people he offended can see his eyes…

Cut 5 (07)  …ally.”

Public defenders say the COVID shutdown hammered their budgets and are requesting 28 million dollars in state funds to fill the gaps and address a staffing shortage. Meghan Garvey says by failing to properly fund public defenders the state is failing to uphold its responsibility under the 6^th amendment to provide zealous, competent counsel

Cut 8 (11) “…system.”

Lawmakers largely agreed with the need for the additional funding but raised concerns about where the money could be found given the state’s finances.

Cristobal has begun moving north into the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to reorganize and reach tropical storm strength again.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says  the earlier landfall of the storm will put a damper on any outdoor plans for Sunday in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 10 (06) “…morning on Sunday.”

Tropical storm, flash flood, and storm surge watches have been issued for southeast Louisiana.

Acadia Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrest a 21-year-old man for the stabbing deaths of two elderly relatives found dead in their home two weeks ago.  Sheriff K.P. Gibson says Detrick Guillory faces two first degree murder charges for the deaths of John and Lois Guillory, both 71, of Richard.

Cut 12 (09) “in this case.”

Gibson says his agency does not have a history of interactions

Cristobal has begun moving north into the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to reorganize and reach tropical storm strength again.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm is now moving faster than initially anticipated.

Cut 9 (09) “…up several hours.”

The cone of uncertainty still covers all of the state’s coast and into bordering coastal states.

Governor Edwards will request a pre-landfall emergency declaration from the federal government ahead of what will be Tropical Storm Cristobal’s late Sunday landfall.

Edwards says the system is expected to be in the state for nearly all of Monday.

Cut 15 (13)“   storm” 

Drew Brees issues a second apology for his comments Wednesday opposing players taking a knee during the national anthem, citing his grandfather’s service in WW2. Brees says he now knows the comments lacked awareness and compassion…

Cut 4 (11)_ “…black communities”

Public defenders say the COVID shutdown hammered their budgets and are requesting 28 million dollars in state funds to fill the gaps and address a staffing shortage.

Meghan Garvey says she works with one defender who is currently managing 400 misdemeanor cases and another with about 170 felony cases.

Cut 6 (14) “…lawyer”

Lawmakers largely agreed with the need for the additional funding but raised concerns about where the money could be found given the state’s finances.

Closed courts have led to a lack of fees that fund a substantial portion of the public defender budget. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

Cristobal has reorganized and regained tropical storm strength as it moves north into the Gulf of Mexico. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

_____________________________

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has issued two apologies, one handwritten, the other video, for the controversial comments regarding players protesting the anthem. Brees says his words lacked awareness and compassion and were hurtful for black people to hear…

Cut 3 (10)  “…my attention”  

Brees said on Wednesday in an interview with Yahoo Finance that he would never agree with kneeling during the national anthem as a form of protest. Many in the black community called the comment insulting. Brees says he now knows the comments lacked awareness and compassion…

Cut 4 (11)_ “…black communities”

Brees’ first apology was posted on Instagram on Thursday morning. Later that day, he produced a video apology so the people he offended can see his eyes…

Cut 5 (07)  …ally.”

_________________________________________________

Public defenders say the COVID shutdown hammered their budgets and are requesting 28 million dollars in state funds to fill the gaps and address a staffing shortage.

Meghan Garvey says she works with one defender who is currently managing 400 misdemeanor cases and another with about 170 felony cases.

Cut 6 (14) “…lawyer”

The Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers warns people could be released from jail if they don’t have enough lawyers to represent them in criminal cases.

The closure of courts has led to a lack of court fees being collected that fund a significant portion of public defender’s budgets. Garvey says they may not have the money to operate once courts reopen.

Cut 7 (09) “…little”

Garvey says by failing to properly fund public defenders the state is failing to uphold its responsibility under the 6^th amendment to provide zealous, competent counsel.

Cut 8 (11) “…system.”

Lawmakers largely agreed with the need for the additional funding but raised concerns about where the money could be found given the state’s finances.

_______________________

Cristobal has begun moving north into the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to reorganize and reach tropical storm strength again.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm is now moving faster than initially anticipated.

Cut 9 (09) “…up several hours.”

The cone of uncertainty still covers all of the state’s coast and into bordering coastal states.

Keim says the earlier landfall of the storm will put a damper on any outdoor plans for Sunday in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 10 (06) “…morning on Sunday.”

Tropical storm, flash flood, and storm surge watches have been issued for southeast Louisiana.  Keim says the storm is a lop-sided system.

Cut 11 (10) “…in southwestern Louisiana.”

_______________________________

Acadia Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrest a 21-year-old man for the stabbing deaths of two elderly relatives found dead in their home two weeks ago.  Sheriff K.P. Gibson says Detrick Guillory faces two first degree murder charges for the deaths of John and Lois Guillory, both 71, of Richard.

Cut 12 (09) “in this case.”

Gibson says his agency does not have a history of interactions with the suspect and the reason behind the slayings is unclear.

Cut 13 (07) “…of that nature.”  

Gibson says the investigation continues as the case is being put together.

Cut 14 (08) “…person involved.”
_____________________

Governor Edwards will request a pre-landfall emergency declaration from the federal government ahead of what will be Tropical Storm Cristobal’s late Sunday landfall.

Edwards says the system is expected to be in the state for nearly all of Monday.

Cut 15 (13)“   storm” 

Edwards adds there is no longer any realistic chance of Cristobal strengthening into a hurricane before landfall.

Edwards says while the worst of the storm will impact south Louisiana…

Cut 16 (10) “…as well”

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has issued two apologies, one handwritten, the other video, for the controversial comments regarding players protesting the anthem. Brees says his words lacked awareness and compassion and were hurtful for black people to hear…

Cut 3 (10)  “…my attention”  

Brees said on Wednesday in an interview with Yahoo Finance that he would never agree with kneeling during the national anthem as a form of protest.

Public defenders say the COVID shutdown hammered their budgets and are requesting 28 million dollars in state funds to fill the gaps and address a staffing shortage. The closure of courts has led to a lack of court fees being collected that fund a significant portion of public defender’s budgets. Meghan Garvey is a public defender and says they may not have the money to operate once courts reopen.

Cut 7 (09) “…little”

Tropical Storm Cristobal has strengthened again as it moves north into the Gulf of Mexico with a Sunday night landfall likely near Morgan City.  Tropical storm, flash flood, and storm surge watches have been issued for southeast Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm is a lop-sided system.

Cut 11 (10) “…in southwestern Louisiana.”

Colorado State University forecasters have upgraded the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season from above-average expected activity to very active. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

Cristobal has begun moving north into the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to reorganize and reach tropical storm strength again.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm is now moving faster than initially anticipated.Keim says the earlier landfall of the storm will put a damper on any outdoor plans for Sunday in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 10 (06) “…morning on Sunday.”

Tropical storm, flash flood, and storm surge watches have been issued for southeast Louisiana.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has issued two apologies, one handwritten, the other video, for the controversial comments regarding players protesting the anthem. Brees’ first apology was posted on Instagram on Thursday morning. Later that day, he produced a video apology so the people he offended can see his eyes…

Cut 5 (07)  …ally.”

Closed courts have led to a lack of fees that fund a substantial portion of the public defender budget. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

State Police arrest an armed suspect at the Hammond Target. Local reports indicated shots were fired, however State Police say there was no gunfire during the incident.

The state reports 29 new COVID fatalities, bringing the state’s death toll to 2,801. Total cases: 41,989… up 427.

Public defenders say the COVID shutdown hammered their budgets and are requesting 28 million dollars in state funds to fill the gaps and address a staffing shortage. Meghan Garvey says she works with one defender who is currently managing 400 misdemeanor cases and another with about 170 felony cases.

Cut 6 (14) “…lawyer”

Cristobal has begun moving north into the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to reorganize and reach tropical storm strength again.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm is now moving faster than initially anticipated.

Cut 9 (09) “…up several hours.”

The cone of uncertainty still covers all of the state’s coast and into bordering coastal states.

The number of George Floyd protestors in New Orleans swelled last night after Wednesday’s tear-gassing of an allegedly violent crowd near the Crescent City Connection. Matt Doyle was there…

Cut 3 (45)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

The state reports 29 new COVID fatalities, bringing the state’s death toll to 2,801. Total cases: 41,989… up 427.

Drew Brees issues a second apology for his comments Wednesday opposing players taking a knee during the national anthem, citing his grandfather’s service in WW2. Brees says he now knows the comments lacked awareness and compassion…

Cut 4 (11)_ “…black communities”

Organizers say over 5,000 people attended last night’s peaceful anti-police brutality march in New Orleans, even larger numbers than what was seen Wednesday night when a crowd was dispersed with tear gas by NOPD near the Crescent City Connection. One speaker says George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis Police should be a wakeup call…

Cut 11 (07) “…get up.”

Law enforcement kept a good distance away from the protestors who often broke into chants of f— the police, and occasionally f— Drew Brees.

Colorado State University warns Louisianans that the forecast for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season has been upgraded to very active from initial projections of an above-average season. CSU forecaster Jhordanne Jones says they now predict there are fairly strong odds of a major hurricane making landfall on the Gulf Coast.

Cut 9 (11) “…Louisiana.”

The forecast predicts the season will see another 16 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser announces the reopening of Louisiana’s welcome centers under Phase Two guidelines today as the state is ready to start accommodating travelers. Nungesser says welcome center staff will be equipped with masks.

Cut 14 (07) “…here in Louisiana.”

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has issued two apologies, one handwritten, the other video, for the controversial comments regarding players protesting the anthem. Brees says his words lacked awareness and compassion and were hurtful for black people to hear…

Cut 3 (10)  “…my attention”  

Brees said on Wednesday in an interview with Yahoo Finance that he would never agree with kneeling during the national anthem as a form of protest. Many in the black community called the comment insulting.

Thousands of protestors marched through New Orleans last night a day after police used tear gas to disperse a protest. The march was ultimately peaceful but began with an ultimatum from organizers that future actions could turn violent if the city did not meet their demands to defund New Orleans police and increase funding for social programs.

Cut 10 (09) “…for”

The state moves into Phase Two of the economic reopening today. The change means establishments that previously were allowed to operate at 25% occupancy will now see that increased to 50% capacity. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says businesses where a service is rendered to a client with a long amount of time in close contact will also open with some guidance on virus spread mitigation.

Cut 6 (12) “…give business owners.”

Phase Two will last at least 21 days.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser announces the reopening of Louisiana’s welcome centers under Phase Two guidelines today as the state is ready to start accommodating travelers.  Nungesser says there will be a strict cap on the occupancy of the lobbies at any one time, along with more frequent cleanings.

Cut 13 (08) “…times a day.” 

Welcome centers have been closed since March 16^th.