The latest report on COVID-19 numbers was delayed today due to network issues impacting the database that powers the coronavirus reporting system. 52 additional fatalities are being reported bringing the death count to 2094. Total cases: 30,399, up by 403. Hospitalizations, down by 47 to 1,465 and ventilator usage, down by seven to 187.
The operating manager of Zeke’s snowball stand in Plaquemine is in jail charged with 537 counts of video voyeurism. Authorities say 31-year old Clinton Brocksmith placed a pinhole camera in the bathroom of the snowball stand and recorded images of girls and then uploaded them to an iPad. Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi is urging parents to contact the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s office if their child was an employee of the snowball stand during the last two and a half years while Brocksmith was the manager.

Cut 11 (06) “…in that area.”

Last weekend the Grand Isle beaches were packed as visitors flocked to the southernmost tip of the state. Tourism Commissioner Louise LaFont says beaches are open to the public but they’d appreciate it if people would space out a bit more.

Cut 6 (12) “…distancing.”

Murder hornets have captured the spotlight after the giant Asian insect was detected in northern parts of the state of Washington, but experts say the level of concern is still relatively low.  LSU AgCenter entomologist Kristen Healey says the few that have been found were contained in Washington.

Cut 3 (12)  “…of that area.”  

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.

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”

The state health department has delayed updating today’s coronavirus numbers for the day, they are normally updated at noon each day

The operating manager of Zeke’s snowball stand in Plaquemine is in jail charged with 537 counts of video voyeurism. Authorities say 31-year old Clinton Brocksmith placed a pinhole camera in the bathroom of the snowball stand and recorded images of girls and then uploaded them to an iPad. Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi says they also found images they can’t identify, and additional charges could be filed.

Cut 10 (12) “…some home.”

Over the weekend Grand Isle beaches were packed as visitors flocked to the southernmost tip of the state. Tourism Commissioner Louise LaFont says the island has some great fishing and they’d love to see anglers return. Just know there are a few restrictions.

Cut 8 (12) “…distancing”

The manager of Zeke’s snowball stand in Plaquemine is in jail charged with 537 counts of video voyeurism. Authorities say 31-year old Clinton Brocksmith placed a pinhole camera in the bathroom and recorded images of girls and then uploaded them to an iPad cash register. Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi says it was an employee that discovered the images.

Cut 9 (09) “…exposed a video”

An LSU Public Policy Lab survey indicates half of the respondents say they have never left their home during the outbreak for social gatherings, religious services, or other reasons not in line with the stay at home order. Lab Director Dr. Michael Henderson says those age 65 and older were most strict about staying home, with nearly 60% compliance.

Cut 11 (09) “…are not aloud.”

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 Healey says 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.”

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 .”

A record-breaking 400,000 Louisianans have received over a billion dollars in unemployment benefits since March 22^nd, but now that it appears likely part of the economy will begin reopening the Louisiana Workforce Commission is warning beneficiaries to make sure they update their employment status if their employer calls them back from furlough…

Cut 15 (10)“…due.”

That’s Secretary Ava Dejoie who adds in the next 30 days they’ll once again require unemployed workers to provide work search documentation.

Last weekend the Grand Isle beaches were packed as visitors flocked to the southernmost tip of the state. Tourism Commissioner Louise LaFont says beaches are open to the public but they’d appreciate it if people would space out a bit more.

Cut 6, 12 seconds, distancing

A Louisiana bug expert says the threat of murder hornets is relatively low. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

The usual noon COVID number update has been delayed by the Louisiana Department of Health.

The House Governmental Affairs committee hears a resolution today that seeks to suspend the Governor’s public health emergency as it relates to the coronavirus. House Republican Caucus chairman and Erath Representative Blake Miguez says the objective is to put local leaders in control of reopening the economy.
Cut 4 (08)_ “…time.”
Governor Edwards has labeled the effort “misguided” and does not believe the legislature will do it.

A Senate Bill aimed at providing a proposition election to determine whether sports wagering activities and operations will be permitted by a parish, passes through a committee hearing. The measure heads to the Senate floor for more consideration. If it receives legislative approval the proposition would appear on the November 3rd ballot. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns…

Cut 9 (08) “…vote it down”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission has paid over a billion dollars in unemployment payments since March 22nd. LWC Secretary Ava Dejoie says the money went to 404-thousand Louisianans.
Cut 14 (11) “…87.”
LWC paid out 151 million dollars to 103,000 claimants in all of 2019.

Murder hornets have captured the spotlight after the giant Asian insect was detected in northern parts of the state of Washington, but experts say the level of concern is still relatively low.  LSU AgCenter entomologist Kristen Healey says the few that have been found were contained in Washington.

Cut 3 (12)  “…of that area.”  

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.

A Baton Rouge man’s 2006 non-unanimous conviction for rape and kidnapping will be taken up by the US Supreme Court in a challenge to the constitutionality of previously decided non-unanimous jury verdicts.  Thedrick Edwards is serving multiple life sentences on a series of 11-1 and 10-2 convictions that were decided along racial lines in the jury. His attorney Andre Belanger says the conviction was unconstitutional.

Cut 4 (08)_ “injustice.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry is pushing for the Governor to greenlight the reopening of barbershops and hair salons.  Landry encourages the Governor to issue guidance for the reopening and says spread mitigation techniques can be implemented into the haircuting process.

Cut 11 (11) “…should be optional.”

Louisiana reports 51 additional COVID fatalities today brining the state total above 2,000.

After a record breaking 53.2 million people visited Louisiana in 2019 the state is scrambling to save the tourism industry. Cities and parishes are cash strapped and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says to save major event tourism the Legislature needs to authorize more tourism assistance to local governments.

Cut 8 (11) “…struggling”

Nungesser says tourism is the fourth largest industry in the state.

The University of Louisiana System announces a special tuition rate for adults wanting to return to school to finish their degree at one of their nine campuses through the Compete LA program.  UL System President Jim Henderson says the program gives employers a bigger talent pool to hire from and will generate more revenue…

Cut 14 (08) “…state of Louisiana.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry is pushing for the Governor to greenlight the reopening of barbershops and hair salons.  Landry says it is a step in the right direction of getting the economy running and stresses the importance of haircuts as a matter of personal hygiene and mental well-being.

Cut 9 (07) “…cut their hair”

Landry is calling on the move to be made as soon as possible and says the reopening would be a part of the restoration of people’s liberty.

Louisiana set another record with 53-million visitors in 2019. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says they are looking at a sharp decrease this year, but his office is reaching out to groups that canceled their events in Louisiana…
Cut 7 (08) “…musician .”
Nungesser says the state can start welcoming tourists back once Louisiana enters phase two of re-opening the economy.

The U-S Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case of a Baton Rouge man serving a life sentence on rape and kidnapping charges, but the jury did not come to a unanimous decision. His attorney, Andre Belanger, says his client Thedrick Edwards, should have his conviction thrown out since the nation’s highest court recently ruled non-unanimous jury verdicts are unconstitutional…
Cut 5 (08)  “…hope

District Attorney Hillar Moore opposes overturning Edwards’ conviction, calling him a “bad dude”

The University of Louisiana System announces a special tuition rate for adults wanting to return to school to finish their degree at one of their nine campuses through the Compete LA program.  UL System President Jim Henderson says the new rate provides an average discount of $450 per course.

Cut 12 (12) “…the adult learner.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry wants Governor Edwards to allow hair salons and barbershops to open before the stay at home order ends May 15^th. Landry says good haircare improves personal hygiene and mental wellbeing.

Cut 9 (07) “…cut their hair”

A Baton Rouge man’s 2006 non-unanimous conviction for rape and kidnapping will be taken up by the US Supreme Court in a challenge to the constitutionality of previously decided non-unanimous jury verdicts. Thedrick Edwards is serving multiple life sentences on a series of 11-1 and 10-2 convictions that were decided along racial lines in the jury. His attorney Andre Belanger explains their objective…

Cut 3 (11)  “…petition”   

AG Landry opposes overturning past non-unanimous convictions.

The University of Louisiana System announces a 45 percent tuition discount rate for returning adults who have taken college courses and are returning to school. UL System President Jim Henderson says the process of finding the right path to a degree doesn’t get much more convenient now.

Cut 13 (11) “…the market today.”

The program matches those who sign up with a coach who will help the returning student navigate their return to academics.

After a record breaking 53.2 million people visited Louisiana in 2019 the state is scrambling to save the tourism industry. The future of tourism is murky but Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says this isn’t the first time we’ve weathered a storm and rebounded to set new records.

Cut 6 (11) “…bounced back.”

The 53.2 million was a four percent increase over 2018.

After setting a new record for visitors in Louisiana last year the tourism industry is bracing for a bleak 2020. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

Louisiana surpasses the 2,000 mark on COVID-19 fatalities with 51 new deaths, raising the total to 2,042. The state is has seen an encouraging number when it comes to ventilator usage, dipping below the 200 mark to 194, down by 26 from yesterday. Total cases: just shy of 30,000 and expected to eclipse that tomorrow.

After ruling all non-unanimous jury verdicts unconstitutional the US Supreme Court will now decide whether that decision applies retroactively. The case involves a Baton Rouge man, Thedrick Edwards, serving multiple life sentences, but the jury hearing the case did not deliver a unanimous verdict in 2006. His attorney Andre Belanger (bah-lon-jay) says the case should be overturned…
Cut 4 (08)_ “injustice.”
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry opposes overturning past non-unanimous convictions.
The University of Louisiana System announces a special tuition rate for adults wanting to return to school to finish their degree through the Compete LA program. UL System President Jim Henderson says the new rate provides an average discount of $450 per course, adding the process of finding the right path to a degree doesn’t get much more convenient.
Cut 13 (11) “…the market today.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry is pushing for the Governor to greenlight the reopening of barbershops and hair salons.  Landry says it is a step in the right direction of getting the economy running and stresses the importance of haircuts as a matter of personal hygiene and mental well-being.

Cut 9 (07) “…cut their hair”

Landry is calling on the move to be made as soon as possible and says the reopening would be a part of the restoration of people’s liberty.

Governor John Bel Edwards says the state’s fight against the spread of COVID-19 is seeing encouraging numbers.  Edwards says over the last three days, the numbers of deaths have been the lowest seen in over a month, adding that the drop is credited to residents taking mitigation efforts seriously.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…out and about.”

After a record breaking 53.2 million people visited Louisiana in 2019 the state is scrambling to save the tourism industry. The future of tourism is murky but Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says this isn’t the first time we’ve weathered a storm and rebounded to set new records.

Cut 6 (11) “…bounced back.”

The 53.2 million was a four percent increase over 2018.

Just over half of Louisiana Oil and Gas Association members feel bankruptcy is likely due to low oil prices. Association spokesperson Kati Hyer says the combo of a price war and the drop in demand from COVID-19 have driven oil prices through the floor.

Cut 13 (13) “…and local governments.”

Employees have seen cuts in salary ranging from 6% to 20%.