A bill is heading to the Senate floor that would prevent local governments from pursuing coastal land loss lawsuits against oil and gas companies. Abbeville Senator Bob Hensgens says his legislation clarifies who has the authority to pursue such litigation and that’s the governor and attorney general…

Cut 6 (09) “…coastal lawsuit.”

There are dozens of lawsuits in the court system from local governments seeking money for coastal damages done by oil and gas companies.

The Louisiana Restaurant Association expects a busy Mother’s Day for members despite coronavirus restrictions shuttering indoor dining. LRA President Stan Harris says this is one of, if not the biggest day for the industry, and while you can’t eat in, you can certainly take out…

Cut 3, 11 seconds, experience

Harris says if ordering for Mother’s Day you need to place your order today.

The casino experience won’t be the same next time players step onto the gaming floor. Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board Ronnie Jones says temperature checks, mandatory hand sanitizing, and a series of screening questions will be asked before setting foot on the gaming floor.

Cut 13 (09) “…wear that mask.” 

Casino operations ceased on March 16^th, but Jones says he hopes they can reopen by the end of the month.

DOTD is taking advantage of lighter traffic to send more daytime crews out to clean litter covered roads. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says litter cleanup costs the state millions of dollars every year and dirty roads don’t look good to people considering locating to Louisiana, so once they clean these roads DOTD would appreciate if you didn’t just cover them in litter again.

Cut 5 (11)  “…as much.”

The coronavirus pandemic led to a 49-day suspension of the legislative session, but state lawmakers still received their 161-dollar daily per diem. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

Today at the state capitol, the House Labor Committee rejected a bill requiring most businesses to provide paid sick leave for all of their employees. Abita Springs Republican Larry Frieman voted against it…
Cut 30 (05) “….provide this”

On a five to one vote, the Senate Transportation Committee approved a proposal to make it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says distracted driving causes numerous wrecks and the phone is what distracts most drivers

Cut 12 (08) “…in Louisiana”

McMath’s measure heads to the Senate floor, but similar bills have failed to pass in previous sessions. The legislation has the support of the Department of Insurance.  McMath says 19 states already have a handheld cell phone ban for drivers and statistics show the number of accidents has decreased in those states. Richard Brown, the president of a civic group called Citizens for a Better Kenner, testified against the legislation. Brown says the bill does not target the real culprit behind distracted driving…

Cut 14 (10) “…the conversation”

709 of the state’s 2,135 COVID deaths have come from nursing homes according to new data released by the Louisiana Department of Health, who is also reporting 179 facilities have been impacted.

Louisiana lawmakers have been collecting 161 dollars a day in per diem payments, even while the Capitol remained shut for 49 days due to the pandemic. Advocate Bureau Chief Mark Ballard says because Lawmakers must pass a balanced budget by July 1^st, and the regular session ends June 1^st…

Cut 8 (04) “…happen”

Covington Senator Patrick McMath’s legislation barring drivers from even touching their phone while behind the wheel clears a Senate committee, and while the vote was 5-1 not everyone was in favor. Richard Brown, the president of Citizens for a Better Kenner, testified against the legislation…

Cut 14 (10) “…the conversation”

Notable names from Louisiana are supporting “Feeding Louisiana Love,” a social media campaign aimed at raising awareness and funding for a statewide network of food banks.  Feeding Louisiana executive director Korey Patty says 773,000 Louisiana residents struggle with food security under normal circumstances.

Cut 3 (12)  “…especially providing food.”  

Feeding Louisiana estimates and additional 233,000 Louisiana residents will experience food insecurity this year because of COVID-19, which is about 21% of the population.

Vidalia Mills, a Louisiana-based producer of yarns and fabrics is adding to its production portfolio with the purchase of an automated surgical mask making machine and two automatic N-95 mask making machines to help manufacture PPE.  Managing partner Dan Feibus says the machinery should arrive by the end of the month.

Cut 9 (10) “…or early August.”

A proposal to make it illegal for drivers to handle their cell phones while behind the wheel is headed to the Senate floor…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Louisiana reports 41 new COVID-19 deaths and 253 new confirmed positive cases today, and also reports 3,300 of the state’s 30,600 cases and 709 of the state’s 2,135 deaths have been in nursing homes. 179 nursing homes have reported at least one case.

Vidalia Mills, a Louisiana-based producer of yarns and fabrics is adding to its production portfolio with the purchase of an automated surgical mask making machine and two automatic N-95 mask making machines to help manufacture PPE.  Managing partner Dan Feibus says Vidalia Mills has also deployed twenty high-speed weaving looms to make lightweight cotton fabrics for the medical gowns and consumer face masks.

Cut 11 (05) “…locally sourced cotton.”

Feibus says the machinery should arrive by the end of the month.

Notable names from Louisiana are supporting “Feeding Louisiana Love,” a social media campaign aimed at raising awareness and funding for a statewide network of food banks.  Feeding Louisiana executive director Korey Patty says food banks have the ability to make monetary donations go a long way.

Cut 5 (11)  “…food banks have.”

The Capitol may have been closed for 49 days but Louisiana lawmakers were still paid their 161 dollar daily per diem throughout that period.  Advocate Bureau Chief Mark Ballard says despite the compressed schedule legislators will still collect 14,000 dollars aimed at reimbursing expenses for lawmakers while in session.  Ballard says many lawmakers argue that they were doing legislative work during that period, even if it wasn’t at the Capitol.

Cut 7 (09) “.that time”

On a five to one vote, the Senate Transportation Committee approved a proposal to make it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says distracted driving causes numerous wrecks and the phone is what distracts most drivers

Cut 12 (08) “…in Louisiana”

McMath’s measure heads to the Senate floor, but similar bills have failed to pass in previous sessions.

Notable musicians such as Amanda Shaw and Hunter Hayes are just some of the recognizable names from Louisiana supporting “Feeding Louisiana Love,” a social media campaign aimed at raising awareness and funding for a statewide network of food banks.  Feeding Louisiana executive director Korey Patty says Hayes is doing a performance later this month where proceeds will be donated toward the cause.

Cut 4 (07)_ “…now as well.”

Vidalia Mills, a Louisiana-based producer of yarns and fabrics is adding to its production portfolio with the purchase of an automated surgical mask making machine and two automatic N-95 mask making machines to help manufacture PPE.  Managing partner Dan Feibus says the machinery should arrive by the end of the month.

Cut 9 (10) “…or early August.”

Feibus says the machinery has the capability of producing 50 masks a minute.

Louisiana reports 41 new COVID-19 deaths and 253 new confirmed positive cases today, continuing this month’s trend in lower death rates and fewer new positive cases.

Those declining numbers are making some antsy to restart the economy before the Governor’s stay at home order ends May 15^th, and a resolution that would undo that order is getting closer to passage. House GOP Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez’s resolution cleared a House Committee and would remove the Governor’s ability to enforce the order, and this Jefferson Parish business owner says she’s a fan of it…

Cut 12 (08) “…fiasco.”

Governor Edwards’ Executive Counsel Matthew Block says their team of medical experts advised against opening May 1^st because a premature relaxing of restrictions could be costly…

Cut 15 (11)“…nothing”

The Capitol may have been closed for 49 days but Louisiana lawmakers were still paid their 161 dollar daily per diem throughout that period. Advocate Bureau Chief Mark Ballard says despite the compressed schedule legislators will still collect 14,000 dollars aimed at reimbursing expenses for lawmakers while in session.

Cut 6 (07) “…term.”

Lawmakers receive the per diem on top of their 17,000 dollar annual base salary. Per diem payments to lawmakers for the regular session cost the state about two million dollars a year.

The Louisiana Public Health Institute and Department of Health are hosting a regional series of tele-town halls with two taking place today. Brooke Thorington has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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 A resolution aimed at ending the Governor’s statewide stay at home order advances to the House floor. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Governor Edwards showcases some of the impacts on children from COVID-19. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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The Louisiana Public Health Institute and Department of Health are hosting a regional series of tele-town halls with two taking place today. Deputy Director of LDH’s Office of Community Partnerships and Health Equity Earl Benjamin-Robinson will serve as a moderator and says the events will help calm uncertainties.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…where resources are.”

The meetings will address COVID-19 response measures and the phased re-opening approach.  Benjamin-Robinson says there will also be time dedicated to addressing community concerns.

Cut 5 (12)  “…answer those questions..”

The events will also include local panelists including the region’s medical director, faith-based leaders, community advocates, and local elected officials.  Benjamin-Robinson says the events will continue to enforce the importance of mitigation efforts during the reopening.

Cut 6 (09) “…by social distancing.”

A list of the town halls can be found at LPHI.org.
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Covington Senator Patrick McMath will introduce a bill to prohibit the use of handheld devices when you’re behind the wheel in a Senate transportation committee today in an effort to reduce accidents on Louisiana’s roadways.

Cut 7 (12) “…a movie .”.

McMath says in 2018 and estimated 25 to 35 percent of serious crashes were caused by distracted drivers. McMath says states that have enacted similar legislation have seen a significant decrease in serious accidents as a result.  The goal of the bill is to have drivers keep their hands on the wheel and off their phones.

Cut 8 (08) “…your voice.”

McMath says the bill still allows you to talk on the phone by using the Bluetooth or wireless feature through your car or…

Cut 9 (07) “…your car”

Louisiana currently has a no texting and driving bill already in effect.

____________________________________

A House committee approves a resolution that would suspend the Governor’s authority to enforce the stay at home order.

The resolution was brought by House Republican Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez who says local governments should be establishing COVID restrictions, not the Governor.

Cut 10 (11) “…to lives”

Miguez says the resolution would not jeopardize federal disaster funding.

Governor Edwards called out Miguez by name at his Wednesday afternoon press conference and assailed the legislative effort.

Cut 11 (06) “…resolution.”

Edwards says any changes to the stay at home order will be announced next Monday and will be based on the recommendations of the administration’s healthcare experts.

The committee was a heated marathon that featured a few small business owners speaking out against the stay at home order, including this one from Jefferson Parish.

Cut 12 (08) “…fiasco.”

The effort was opposed by Democrats on the committee, including New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis who says the virus doesn’t respect parish lines…

Cut 13 (13) “…that?.”

Congressman Garret Graves weighed in, accusing Edwards of trying to undermine President Trump’s reelection effort by harming the economy.

Cut 14 (12) “…being played.”

But Edwards’ Executive Counsel Matthew Block says the stay at home extension to May 15^th was supported by the President and adds a premature lifting of restrictions could be costly…

Cut 15 (11)“…nothing”

The resolution heads to the House floor next. It would only need a simple majority of the House and Senate for passage and could not be vetoed by the Governor.

________________________

A House committee was home to a lengthy, and often heated debate about the future of the Governor’s stay at home order Wednesday.

House Republican Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez’s resolution suspending the Governor’s ability to enforce the statewide stay at home order passed House and Governmental affairs after hours of debate. Miguez says local governments should be establishing COVID restrictions, not the Governor.

Cut 10 (11) “…to lives”

Miguez says the resolution would not jeopardize federal disaster funding.

Governor Edwards called out Miguez by name at his Wednesday afternoon press conference and assailed the legislative effort.

Cut 11 (06) “…resolution.”

Edwards says any changes to the stay at home order will be announced next Monday.

The committee featured a few small business owners speaking out against the stay at home order, including this one from Jefferson Parish.

Cut 12 (08) “…fiasco.”

The legislation was opposed by Democrats, including New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis who says the virus doesn’t respect parish lines…

Cut 13 (13) “…that?.”

The resolution heads to the House floor next. It would only need a simple majority of the House and Senate for passage and could not be vetoed by the Governor.

And today Covington Senator Patrick McMath will introduce a bill to prohibit the use of handheld devices when you’re behind the wheel in an effort to reduce accidents on Louisiana’s roadways.

Cut 7 (12) “…a movie .”.

The Senate Insurance Committee voted against legislation today that would prohibit insurance companies from using a driver’s gender, credit score rating or whether they are a widow in determining auto insurance rates. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau argued credit score has nothing to do with a person’s driving record

Cut 12 (10) “…their rates”

Women who have lost their husbands are frustrated to see their rates go up after their spouse dies. But insurance commissioner Jim Donelon defended the reason on why that happens…

Cut 14 (12) “…the cost”

Luneau did score one victory today. The Senate Insurance Committee approved his bill that prohibits insurance providers from setting a rate based on whether a person in the military is deployed for more than six months. That bill heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

Murder hornets have captured the spotlight after the giant Asian insect was detected in the northern parts of Washington state, but experts say the level of concern is relatively low. LSU AgCenter entomologist Kristen Healey says Louisiana’s climate would be suitable for murder hornets, but the hornet’s ability to migrate is limited due to being a social insect in need of a queen to maintain a colony.

Cut 5 (12)  “…establish a colony.”

While human deaths have been attributed to the murder hornet, Healey says those are normally linked to an allergic reaction.  It’s the ability to kill mass amounts of honeybees rapidly that is the most concerning.

Last weekend the Grand Isle beaches were packed as visitors flocked to the southernmost tip of the state. tourism Commissioner Louise LaFont says Tourism is the lifeblood of that small community and since they opened to vacationers Friday the crowds have rapidly grown.

Cut 7 (10) “…back .”