The LSU Ag Center estimates the agriculture and forestry losses from Hurricane Laura exceeds one-point-six billion dollars. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

____________________________

We now have firm dates for when the rest of the power will come back on in Cameron and Calcasieu Parish. Matt Doyle has the story…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

The LSU AgCenter estimates Hurricane Laura caused 525-million dollars in damage to Louisiana farmers and one-point-one billion dollars to the state’s timber industry. AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry says wind damage to buildings and facilities carried the biggest part of the damage estimate at 403-million dollars.

Cut 3 (11)  “…timber damage”  

In comparison, agricultural losses from Hurricanes Rita and Katrina totaled one-point-five billion dollars. But Guidry says crops were not as affected this year as in 2005…

Cut 4 (12)“ yield loss” 

The state’s rice crop suffered the most with 74-thousand acres affected for an economic impact of 28.5 million dollars. Soybeans, cotton and corn have seen a 10 to 15-percent yield loss. He says sugarcane has yet to be harvested, but right now they are looking at a three-percent yield loss…

Cut 5 (12)  “minimal”

_________________

Entergy Louisiana expects to have power available to the majority of customers in Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes by September 23^rd, with the remaining customers online by September 30^th.

Laura came ashore August 24th and Entergy Louisiana spokesperson Brandon Scardigli says it left an incredible amount of damage in its wake…

Cut 6 (08) “…though”

That’s big news for the tens of thousands of people in southwest Louisiana who still don’t have power.

Cut 7 (10) “progress.”

Across all of Entergy Louisiana’s territory in Louisiana, nearly 403,000 customers have had their power restored after losing it due to Laura.

Scardigli says the Calcasieu Plant and the Lake Charles Power Station are back online, which means…

Cut 8 (06) “…neighborhoods.”

Entergy encourages customers to make sure they have a certified electrician check their homes if they have any storm damage to make sure they can receive power when it becomes available.

________________________

Louisiana will be spared much of any impact from Sally as the Hurricane took an abrupt turn for the Alabama coast before reaching The Boot.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says Sally was always an unpredictable system due to its sluggish two to three-mile an hour pace…

Cut 9 (09) “…further east”

Hurricane Sally is expected to drop up to 30 inches of rain on parts of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle as it creeps onto land early tomorrow morning.

Keim warns just because we dodged Sally doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods. This season has already tied 1933 for the record of the second most named storms at 20 and it’s only halfway over…

Cut 10 (11) “…surveillance”

2005 still holds the record for most named storms at 27, but at our current pace, we should blow right past 30 this year. Keim says we’re heading into unusual territory…

Cut 11 (10) “…alphabet.”

_______________________

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron said during a zoom press conference with reporters that most of the players on his team have tested positive for the coronavirus. Orgeron did not give an exact number. but he says the players who have been infected will be able to play during the season

Cut 12 (10) “…for games”

Orgeron says there are three or four players who currently have the coronavirus and they are not practicing.

SEC schools perform three tests a week on their student-athletes. A player who tests positive must isolate for at least 10 days and once they recover, they do not have to test again for 90 days. Orgeron says it’s been a process

Cut 13 (07) “very well”

LSU’s first game is a week from Saturday against Mississippi State. He’s hoping that since a majority of the players have tested positive for COVID-19 that they’ll avoid a coronavirus outbreak during the season

Cut 14 (07) “…the game” 

Monroe-based Fortune 500 Company CenturyLink renames itself Lumen Technologies. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________

Governor Edwards says should Hurricane Sally continue to track east and Louisiana is spared the worst we’re ready to assist our neighbors in Mississippi and Alabama. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Sally continues to approach land, but it is in no rush for landfall. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

_______________________________

One of Louisiana’s two Fortune 500 Companies, CenturyLink, is rebranding itself as Lumen Technologies.

Lumen Consumer Markets President Maxine Moreau says they’re taking on a new vision that’s aimed at creating technology that helps companies through the 4^th industrial revolution.

Cut 4 (10)“ …reality” 

The other Fortune 500 Company based out of Louisiana is Entergy.

Moreau says the change in name and direction will not result in a change of location for their headquarters.

Cut 5 (08)  “…CenturyLink.”

CenturyLink was founded in 1930 as a telephone company based out of Oak Ridge.

Moreau says CenturyLink customers don’t need to worry about the change impacting the quality of their current services.

Cut 6 (05) “…customers.”

Lumen will focus on the development of high-speed fiber infrastructure alongside work in data management and security.

____________________

Sally isn’t expected to bullseye Louisiana but it could bring some tropical-storm-force winds and heavy rain to the southeastern parts of the state.

Because southeast Louisiana still remains in the hurricane’s cone of uncertainty Governor Edwards announces state offices in 12 parishes will be closing today…

Cut 7 (11) “…Washington”

12,000 Hurricane Laura refugees are being housed by the state in New Orleans hotels and while the city is expecting heavy rains…

Cut 8 (09) “…Sally.”

12,700 Laura refugees are being housed in non-congregate settings across Louisiana by the state.

Edwards says he talked with Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves yesterday and told him should Sally continue tracking to the east and Louisiana is spared the worst, we’re ready to help.

Cut 9 (10) “…available”

____________________________

Plaquemines Parish residents may have dodged a bullet in avoiding the worst impacts of Hurricane Sally.  Parish President Kirk Lepine says residents did not take the initial threat lightly.

Cut 10 (09) “bank to evacuate.”

Lepine says the parish is now expecting the best, but they are continuing to brace for a storm that has shown an indecisive track in its slow approach to land.

Cut 11 (08) “…guard down yet.”

Lepine says the biggest concern with storms like Sally is the headache that can come from water inundating the transportation infrastructure.

Cut 12 (12) “…have HWY 39.”

___________________

It appears southeast Louisiana has dodged an unfavorable outcome with Hurricane Sally.  National Weather Service New Orleans Meteorologist Robert Ricks says the slow-moving storm has been crawling throughout the night.

Cut 13 (10) “…and northeast.”

As of the 1AM NHC advisory, a hurricane warning remains in effect from Grand Isle, Louisiana to Navarre, Florida.

Overnight, there has been a flare-up of new thunderstorms around Sally’s center.  Ricks says the slow motion of the storm can add complexities to models of its path.

Cut 14 (09) “…in the works.”

Ricks says southeast Louisiana residents need to still be cautious about the effects of Louisiana.

Cut 15 (08) “…a little bit longer.”

___________________________________________

The Saints didn’t have a stellar day on offense in their season opening win over Tampa Bay, but Coach Sean Payton is pleased with how his defense played against the Buccaneers new look offense. Payton says there was some mystery on what they would try to do with Tom Brady leading their offense…

Cut 16 (25) “…noticeable” 

Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas reportedly suffered a high ankle sprain in the vicotry. Thomas was seen limping off the field in the fourth quarter after his ankle got rolled up on. Payton was asked if Thomas could have returned if needed

Cut 17  (14) “…the injuries” 

As a team the Saints were held to 2.4 rushing yards. Latavius Murray led the team with 15 carries on 48 yards. Murray knows they can play better on offense

Cut 18  (14) “…this point”     

__________________________________________________________________

With Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase now gone from last year’s national championship team, Terrace Marshall becomes the LSU Tigers top receiver. The junior from Bossier City says his mindset hasn’t change even with Chase’s recent decision to opt out of the 2020 season…

cut 19 (15) “…I’m prepared”  

LSU’s offense broke all kinds of records on its way to a perfect 15-0 season. Marshall doesn’t see why they can’t be just as productive…

cut 20 (19) “ last year”  

Sally has hit hurricane strength and now appears likely to be a category two storm before making landfall Tuesday, likely along the Mississippi coast. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

Several southeast Louisiana coastal parishes have issued evacuations as Hurricane Sally is expected to brush past the Bayou State as a Category Two storm tomorrow. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

Sally has developed into a Hurricane ahead of schedule after rapidly strengthening this morning.

National Weather Service forecaster Christopher Bannon says Sally got a bit of good luck that helped it pick up steam and grow to 85 mile per hour winds.

Cut 3 (12)  “…significantly”  

Bannon says Sally is now likely to be a category two hurricane before landfall, but the good news is it still seems unlikely to become a major hurricane.

Cut 4 (09)“ tomorrow” 

Forecasts continue to push the anticipated landfall more eastward, now appearing more likely to land somewhere along the Mississippi coast, but Bannon says the strengthening means the eastern edges of the state’s most southeastern parishes will get some bad weather.

Cut 5 (08)  “winds”

The cone of uncertainty still covers the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Alabama-Florida line.

_________________

Westfield Fluid Controls will invest 5.1 million dollars to establish a manufacturing facility in Lafayette, creating 67 new jobs for the area.

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the facility will produce precision hydraulic and fluid control components.

Cut 6 (07) “…things.”

Westfield is relocating this facility from a site in California.

Pierson says the facility will be located at a 30,000 square foot site in the Northpark Technology Center, and result in numerous jobs linked to the facility.

Cut 7 (10) “region.”

Pierson says the average pay is just under 50,000 dollars a year, and benefits are included.

Cut 8 (08) “…economy.”

The company considered sites in Texas, Florida, and Ohio before settling on Lafayette.

________________________

The damage to the timber industry from Hurricane Laura is an estimated one-point-one billion dollars. That’s according to Louisiana Forestry Association executive director Buck Vandersteen who says Laura impacted 770-thousand acres of forest in 22 parishes, with Vernon Parish suffering the most losses

Cut 9 (12) “…million”

Vandersteen says Laura will definitely have a long-term impact on the state’s forestry industry.

Cut 10 (12) “…one time”

Vandersteen says there’s so much timber on the ground, it be hard to salvage more than 15-percent of it…

Cut 11 (12) “…reduce production.”

_______________________

The eye of Hurricane Sally is expected to move over the edges of St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes. St. Bernard Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director John Rahaim says they could see a seven to eleven-foot storm surge, which will flood property outside of the levee system…

Cut 12 (11) “…like this”

Rahaim says they are not anticipating any flooding inside their levee system unless they get a heavy downpour where two to three inches fall in an hour…

Cut 13 (10) “inside the system”

Orleans Parish Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Collin Arnold says they are encouraged that the forecast calls for the center of the storm to stay east of New Orleans, but it’s not good that the storm is moving slowly…

Cut 14 (12) “…to occur” 

The area is under a flash flood watch until Thursday morning. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says all 99 of their drainage pumps are ready to respond and can handle up to one inch of rain per hour…

Cut 15 (09) “we would like” 

Phase Three will provide public school students with more opportunities for in-person education. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

The state enters Phase Three of the pandemic economic reopening plan tonight, but bars in most parishes will remain closed for now. Jeff Palermo has the story.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

Tropical Depression 19 formed near Miami on Friday afternoon. National Weather Service Meteorologist Kevin Gilmore says the depression is set to cross south Florida early on Saturday and move northwestward over the north-central Gulf of Mexico on Monday.

Cut 3 (10)  “…Wednesday”  

Gilmore says there’s also a weak tropical wave in the northern Gulf of Mexico and that will help produce even more tropical moisture

Cut 4 (07)“ …five to seven days” 

Gilmore says residents along the northern Gulf Coast should monitor the progress of this system.

Cut 5 (05)  “…storm status”

_________________

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the state moving into Phase Three likely means more in-person education for K-12 students.

Brumley says one of the biggest differences in Phase Three is relaxed school bus capacity limits.

Cut 6 (09) “…campus.”

Brumley says classrooms can also open up, and some beloved extracurricular can resume as well…

Cut 7 (10) “…band.”

The Superintendent warned the transition to more in-person education won’t happen overnight, and will likely take some time to implement.

Brumley says the state’s transition to Phase Three is proof schools were able to safely educate under Phase Two. He says that’s the result of high compliance, and occasionally tough decisions…

Cut 8 (09) “…of time.”

________________________

Cleco says it has restored power to 99% of the 140,000 customers who lost service due to Hurricane Laura. Spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says as restoration teams’ infrastructure rebuilding efforts move forward, remaining customers could be seeing the lights come on soon.

Cut 9 (08) “…another couple days.”

Cleco expects power to be restored to all customers who can accept power in Grant, Rapides and Vernon Parishes. Cahill says at the peak, over 4,000 restoration workers were on the ground thanks to the assistance of outside contractors.

Cut 10 (06) “…history of Cleco.”

In Beauregard Parish, crews are bringing in specialized equipment in flooded areas to continue restoration efforts. Cahill says in Calcasieu Parish, there are 53 line crews working in Dequincy…

Cut 11 (06) “…is restored.”

_______________________

Governor John Bel Edwards announces that bars in most parishes will remain closed and for those that can open heavy restrictions will be put in place as the state enters Phase Three tonight.

Edwards says a parish must show a two week period with less than five percent positivity before bars can begin a limited reopening.

Cut 12 (13) “…task force”

Restaurants, gyms, spas, salons, retail, and other businesses will be allowed to increase capacity to 75 percent, masks will still be required in businesses, and gathering sizes have been increased.

So far only five parishes qualify to reopen bars, Orleans, St. John, Bienville, Jefferson Davis and Plaquemines. Bars in those parishes will have to stop serving by 10 PM and close by 11 PM, and you can’t walk up to the bar to order…

Cut 13 (06) “seated”

No one under 21 will be allowed in any bar, and live music is still prohibited.

Bar capacity will also be highly restricted and social distancing must be enforced.

Cut 14 (10) “…outdoors” 

Edwards says the tight restrictions on bars are the result of the still-high rate of COVID among young people.

_____________________

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell announces there will be no tailgating on city property for Sunday’s Saints season opener, and no fans in the Dome for all of September.

Cantrell says many long-running city traditions are now outlawed…

Cut 15 (12) “tailgating” 

And while limited fan attendance is being allowed in other NFL stadiums, that won’t be the case for the Superdome at least through week three.

Cut 16 (13) “…New Orleans.” 

The Saints kick off at 3:25 PM Sunday against Tom Brady’s Bucs.

The restaurant industry welcomes today’s transition into Phase Three of economic reopening. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________________

An LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center two-year weight loss program aimed at helping low-income residents finds great success. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

President Trump has come under fire for audio recordings of him in March privately acknowledging the danger of coronavirus at a time when he was publicly downplaying the threat. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

_______________________________

The state’s move into Phase 3 means relaxed occupancy restrictions on restaurants.  Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says the increase from 50% to 75% capacity is a welcomed change.

Cut 4 (09)“ …more work hours.” 

Harris says the industry still faces hurdles in rebuilding the trust with patrons and workers that the dine-in atmosphere is a safe place to be.

Cut 5 (11)  “…that work there.”

Further details about what Phase Three will look like, such as the status of bars, will be provided during a press conference this afternoon.  Harris says the association will continue to advocate on their behalf.

Cut 6 (13) “…said not now.”

____________________

Louisiana patients who enrolled in a Pennington Biomedical weight loss study tailored to low-income residents maintained at least a five percent decrease in body weight over a two year period. Lead researcher, Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk, says health coaches had weekly sessions with 452 patients on solving their biggest barriers to weight loss.

Cut 7 (11) “…issues”

A control group was given “usual” care that was not personalized, and only lost a half a percent of their body weight.

Katzmarzyk says the program sent health coaches to the patients’ primary care clinics and conducted zoom calls so that participants didn’t have to travel far for help.

Cut 8 (08) “…lived in.”

The program was conducted at 18 Louisiana primary care clinics in both urban and rural areas.

Katzmarzyk says a major emphasis was showing patients that eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive.

Cut 9 (09) “…store”

____________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy defends President Trump after an audio recording from March was released of the President saying he wanted to “play down” the coronavirus.

Audio has the President privately acknowledging how deadly the virus was at a time when he was publicly comparing it to the flu, but Cassidy says the President’s actions show he took it seriously.

Cut 10 (09) “phase.”

In the recording, the President explains he did not want to create a panic.

Cassidy says the President tends to speak a little loosely and in ways he sometimes regrets, but he doesn’t regret the way the nation responded.

Cut 11 (11) “…unprecedented.”

Cassidy says right now he’s not concerned the revelations will impact the President’s reelection chances.

Cut 12 (11) “…loud.”

The audio was captured by famed reporter Bob Woodward and was released ahead of his new book that chronicles conversations the two had between late 2019 and early 2020.

___________________

Governor Edwards is warning residents in the areas impacted by Hurricane Laura to be cautious with the heat.  The state reports 28 storm-related deaths and many of those are linked to the intense temps.  Edwards says those working in the sweltering conditions need to pace themselves.

Cut 13 (06) “…get in to.”

So far 6000 homeowners who had their dwelling damaged by the storm have registered to get a blue roof from the state.  Edwards says anyone who is in need of the temporary patch job needs to act fast on signing up.

Cut 14 (10) “…cover damaged rooves.” 

Nearly 13,000 residents are being sheltered in the state of Louisiana at 42 hotels, 36 of which are in New Orleans.  Edwards says that number has been growing nightly, but only slightly.

Cut 15 (09) “…4,800 Louisianans.” 
___________________________________________

Three Louisiana college football teams kick off their seasons on Saturday. For the first time ever, ULM will battle against one of the United States service academies when they visit Army in West Point at 12:30 central time. The Black Knights blanked Middle Tennessee 42 to nothing last week. Warhawks Coach Matt Viator says Army’s triple-option run-oriented offense is tough to stop

Cut 16 (21) “…offensively” 

The Ragin Cajuns are at 23rd ranked Iowa State for their first ever visit to Ames. Kick-off is set for 11 AM. U-L Lafayette is coming off its best season in program in history as they were 11-3 and they return eight starters on offense. Third-year head coach Billy Napier says the make-up of this year’s team is different to go along with the preparation for the season

Cut 17  (21) “…of problems” 

Tulane will begin its 127th season on Saturday night at South Alabama. It will be the second time these two schools have met and it’s the first game ever at Hancock Whitney Stadium. The Jaguars opened the season with a 32-21 road win over Southern Miss. Green Wave coach Willie Fritz says South Al looked impressive

Cut 18  (24) “…extremely well    

___________________________________________________

The Saints will begin another NFL season on Sunday in which they enter the year with one of the more talented rosters in the league. The Black and Gold have suffered playoff heartbreak the last three seasons and Quarterback Drew Brees says he’s got nothing to lose as he gets set to begin his 20th season in the NFL

cut 19 (25) “…ultimate prize”  

The Saints will host Tampa Bay on Sunday as New Orleans has prepared for the season without the benefit of any preseason games. There will also be no fans in the Dome but linebacker Alex Anzalone says they’ll be ready

cut 20 (20) “ others”  

Louisiana will move to Phase Three tomorrow. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

Hurricane Laura propelled swarms of mosquitos into pastures, leading to scores of dead cows and horses across southwest Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”  

_____________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says the state is ready to move into the next phase of reopening. Edwards said at a Thursday morning press conference that after analyzing COVID-19 data for the last two weeks, the state is ready to move forward.

Cut 3 (10)  “…tomorrow.”  

Edwards admits it was a difficult decision because not all of the data has come in on whether school resuming, the Labor Day holiday weekend and how recovery from Hurricane Laura is impacting the spread of the coronavirus.

Edwards says just because we’re moving into Phase Three doesn’t mean we’ve moved out of the public health emergency.

Cut 4 (11)“ …capita.” 

Moving from Phase 2 to Phase 3 means there will be fewer restrictions on the number of people that can gather and occupancy at businesses. But Edwards says the mask mandate will stay in effect in phase 3.

Cut 5 (12)  “…wear masks”

Further details about what Phase Three will look like, such as the status of bars, will be provided during a Friday afternoon news conference.

_________________

Entergy has successfully restarted one of its power plants in Calcasieu Parish.  Entergy spokesperson David Freese says crews brought the plant online by repairing a  transmission line damaged by Hurricane Laura.

Cut 6 (11) “…couple thousands initially.”

Freese estimates that around 13,000 storm restoration workers are on the ground.  While it is possible they have wrapped up work near a location still without power, there is more work that is needed to get power restored.

Cut 7 (06) “…is a rebuild.”

Freese says the customers outside of southwest Louisiana already have their lights back on.

Cut 8 (13) “…can Cameron Parishes.”

The Louisiana Public Service Commission estimates 122-thousand customers are still without power two weeks after the storm. Over 87-percent of the customers in Calacasieu Parish are still without electricity.
________________________

Swarms of mosquitos terrorized livestock in southwest Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Laura, causing the deaths of horses, deer, and cows.

Evangeline Parish Veterinarian Craig Fontenot says the swarms were so thick that they could bite an animal to death, or worse.

Cut 9 (08) “…noses.”

The mosquitos swarming livestock can cause the animals to struggle to get enough oxygen as they struggle to remove the mosquitos, and are slowly drained of blood.

Reports indicate a large part of the swarm was pushed out of the marsh by Hurricane Laura. Fontenot says that plus the rains that came after made a tough situation worse.

Cut 10 (10) “…we had.”

Fontenot says in Evangeline Parish alone he estimates 40 to 60 head was lost.

Fontenot says the swarm is likely going to cost ranchers more than just their initial losses…

Cut 11 (05) “…calves.”

In recent days parish governments have begun running mosquito planes over affected areas, making the problem less severe.

_______________________

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring six different tropical disturbances today. There are two named storms in the middle of the Atlantic, a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico and another tropical wave could enter the gulf next week. State Climatologist Barry Keim says to have six have systems at one time is rare…

Cut 12 (09) “…right now”

Keim says the good news is that none of the tropical disturbances are a major threat to the U-S coastline…

Cut 13 (11) “…wrenching”

The National Hurricane Center gives the tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico a low chance of development, but another wave moving towards the gulf has a medium chance of developing into a tropical depression in the eastern Gulf over the next five days. Keim says it’s not a surprise the tropics are super active…

Cut 14 (10) “…ridiculous” 

We’ve hit the statistical peak of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Matt Doyle spoke with a state climatologist about the record-breaking season so far…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________

Louisiana Tech Head Coach Skip Holtz blames Hurricane Laura for an outbreak in coronavirus cases among the football team.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________________________

The high school football season will kick off October 1^st and contact practices can resume today. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

_______________________________

Today we’re at the statistical peak of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season and so far it’s been one for the record books.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ve seen a record-breaking 17 named storms so far this year…

Cut 4 (07)“ …a second” 

Prior to 2020 the busiest first half of the season was seen in 2005 when only 15 named storms had formed at the halfway point. 2005 ended with 27 named storms.

Keim says back in June Tropical Storm Cristobal became the earliest C storm to ever form. It just got worse from there as more systems arrived…

Cut 5 (08)  “…ever had”

Of the 17 named storms so far five have become hurricanes and one became a major hurricane. Another two to five major hurricanes are projected by NOAA.

Keim warns Louisianans to remain vigilant and warns that just because we’ve been hit three times already doesn’t mean we won’t see a fourth landfall…

Cut 6 (12) “…Louisiana.”
____________________

LSU is using wastewater samples to track the spread of coronavirus on campus.  COVID patients shed the virus in their fecal matter and testing wastewater from various points in a sewer system can see how many cases exist. Civil and environmental engineering professor Dr. John Pardue says testing can be encouraged quickly upon detection at a certain location.

Cut 7 (09) “…samples next week.”

The science, known as sewer epidemiology, has been used in the Baton Rouge area for COVID tracking since June.

Pardue says not only does the screening show whether people on a system are COVID positive, but it can measure the viral load and give an estimate of how many people may have the virus.

Cut 8 (08) “…make an estimate.”

Pardue says sewer epidemiology, when compared to testing, can give an earlier idea of COVID positivity in a community.

Cut 9 (10) “…delay built in.”

____________________________

Louisiana Tech Head Coach Skip Holtz blames Hurricane Laura for an outbreak in coronavirus cases among the football team.  The Bulldogs were supposed to kick off the season playing Baylor on Saturday in a nationally televised game.  Holtz says it is a disappointing development since they had run a clean shop all through practice.

Cut 10 (12) “…wasn’t large enough.”

Holtz says players were trying to find suitable accommodations following the storm and that lead to many of them being infected by the virus.

Cut 11 (12) “…in the building.”

Holtz is hopeful that if the infected players do not have any complications that show up on an EKG, that up to 30 of the 36 players could return in time to play their next scheduled game on September 19^th against Southern Miss.

Cut 12 (12) “…now and then.”

No makeup date has been set for the matchup with Baylor.

___________________

The LHSAA announces the high school football season will kick off October 1^st and contact practices can begin today.

Director Eddie Bonine says teams will begin their eight-game season against their previously scheduled week three opponent, and the football community can’t wait…

Cut 13 (11) “…of that.”

There will be no jamborees, but scrimmages will be allowed from September 24^th-26^th.

Bonine says there’s still a lot of details to be worked out, like how to get cheerleaders and the band involved safely, but it will get done. He did acknowledge the ride may be a little bumpy…

Cut 14 (10) “…cases” 

A five-round playoff will be held at the end of the season but public and private schools will still compete separately. All nine championships will be held in the Superdome. Dates for the playoffs and championships have not been set.

Bonine says the research shows football can be safely conducted right now, and the biggest health risks are in the stands, not between the lines, so…

Cut 15 (10) “…against you.” 

The LHSAA will not be setting stadium capacities or attendance procedures, those will be determined by local officials and local health guidelines.

______________________________________

Sixteen parishes impacted by Hurricane Laura have been approved to receive Disaster SNAP benefits. Brooke Thorington spoke with a DCFS representative.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”  

____________________________

The LA GOP asks Governor Edwards to allow parish governments to make their own decisions about potentially moving to Phase Three. Matt Doyle has the story…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

The state has received approval to distribute disaster food stamps in 16 parishes impacted by Hurricane Laura. The program will run in phases, with the first phase beginning tomorrow in Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Rapides, Vermilion, and Vernon.  Shavana Howard with DCFS explains what eligible recipients should do…

Cut 3 (09)  “…at 8am.”  

The number to the call center is 1-888-LA-Help-U. For more information and to pre-register go to dcfs.la.gov/DSNAP

Howard urges anyone who lives in the 16 parishes impacted by Hurricane Laura to pre-register online first and then call in according to their last name on certain days to apply. A list of days can be found on the DCFS website.

Cut 4 (09)“ …be eligible.” 

Howard says they will roll out benefits to the remaining seven parishes beginning September 17^th and storm victims are encouraged to the DCFS website for information about eligibility. Howard says they are working with other state agencies to streamline the registration process.

Cut 5 (12)  “…free right now.”

For more information and to pre-register go to dcfs.la.gov/DSNAP

_________________

Saturdays will look much different at Tiger Stadium this fall LSU announces there will be no pre-game walk down Victory Hill, the Tiger band will not perform on the field, no tailgating, and attendance will be capped at 25%.  Interim LSU President Thomas Galligan says attendees need to prepare to mask up.

Cut 6 (12) “…get outside.”

Despite a smaller crowd, Galligan is confident the energy of Tiger Stadium will still be there.

Cut 7 (13) “…magic with 25,000.”

Single-game tickets will not be available, so the fans that get to go to the games will be season-ticket holders, students, and a small number of fans from the visiting school.  Athletic Director Scott Woodward says the fans will enter the stadium in phases.

Cut 8 (09) “…go awry here.”

LSU’s first home game is the season opener against Mississippi State on September 26th.

________________________

The state Republican Party calls on Governor Edwards to allow parish governments to make their own decisions on whether or not to move into Phase Three.

LA GOP spokesperson Ben Smith says the current one size fits all statewide plan isn’t allowing areas with manageable levels of COVID-19 to restart their economies. He says it should be up to the locals.

Cut 9 (06) “…parish.”

Smith says local governments should also have the ability to decide whether to implement mask mandates, gathering limits, and bar closures.

Cut 10 (09) “…discretion.”

Smith says many areas of the state have plenty of hospital capacity and low transmission rates.

Cut 11 (10) “…pandemic.”

Jefferson, St. Tammany, and St. Bernard Parishes have passed resolutions calling for permission to make their own decisions on what phase to adopt.

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An 11-year-old in Moss Bluff has been charged with 2nd-degree murder after he allegedly fatally shot a family member. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a shooting and arrived at a home to find 39-year-old Andrew Lafleur III dead. Investigations Commander Gene Pittman…

Cut 12 (09) “…someone”

Pittman says the family did not allow the child to be interviewed and have retained counsel.

Pittman says it’s a tragedy.

Cut 13 (11) “…wrenching”

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It’s been nearly two weeks since Hurricane Laura came ashore and 90-percent of Calcasieu Parish remains without power. Governor John Bel Edwards says Laura damaged or destroyed over one-thousand power transmission towers, but the federal government is allowing Louisiana to use power generated in Texas

Cut 14 (12) “…Calcasieu Parish” 

Laura also damaged a Strategic Petroleum Reserve Site in West Hackberry. Its huge caverns hold eight billion gallons of crude oil. U-S Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette toured the damage this afternoon and the cost of fixing the repository is not his main worry…

Cut 15 (11) “currently feeling” 

Lake Charles residents are feeling forgotten by the national media.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A parking spot painting of President Donald Trump sparks controversy from the Washington Parish School Board and legal action from a Pine High School senior.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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The current Phase Two declaration ends Friday and Governor Edwards says we should expect a decision on whether we move to Phase Three imminently…

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Lake Charles and the community’s response to Hurricane Laura has fallen out of the national media spotlight and it has left many residents feeling forgotten.  Mayor Nic Hunter says the story of resilience is one that apparently doesn’t appeal to national media outlets.

Cut 4 (08)“ …citizen any less.” 

Hunter says had the local response resulted in a lack of evacuations, a conflict between responding agencies, or had been a total train wreck, the level of lasting national media attention would be different.

Cut 5 (12)  “…would be here.”

Hunter says it is important for Louisiana residents to share the story of Lake Charles on social media.

Cut 6 (13) “…their own platform.”
____________________

A Pine High School Senior is taking the Washington Parish School Board to court after the superintendent ruled a parking space mural of President Donald Trump was too political.  Ned Thomas was participating in the school’s “Seniors Paint Your Parking Spot” program and had his design approved by the principal, only to have it painted over after a paid artist completed the image.

Cut 7 (12) “…it was gone.”

Thomas says he’s a big admirer of the Commander-in-chief and feels it should be okay to have a painting of a US President, but he was told that the school superintendent says it was too political.

Cut 8 (13) “…on the corner.”

The parking spot paint job of President Trump sporting an American flag headband and matching aviator sunglasses cost $200, but now it’s just a gray spot.  Thomas says the rules were simple: no negative, rude, or offensive language, pictures, or symbols, and now he’s going to court with a clear goal of seeking an injunction ordering the School Board to allow for the repainting of the picture and seeks $200 for damages for the destruction of the first version and attorney’s fees.

Cut 9 (10) “…the United States.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with legal expenses.  Washington Parish Superintendent Frances Varnado has not been available for comment.

____________________________

Governor Edwards says he’ll make an announcement on a possible move to Phase Three as early as today.

Edwards met with his medical team to discuss whether the state met the gating criteria to move to Phase Three last night, and he’ll be discussing a potential transition this afternoon with the White House…

Cut 10 (06) “…data.”

Edwards says if the state does advance to Phase Three and cases surge we may have to retreat back to Phase Two. He says compliance on social distancing and mask-wearing will prevent that…

Cut 11 (11) “…interruption.”

Edwards says he doesn’t have any second thoughts about how to state has handled the reopening of the economy so far, and…

Cut 12 (08) “…a reason.”

The current Phase Two declaration ends Friday.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will begin accepting applications for pandemic relief from salt-water fishermen September 14^th.

LDWF Biologist Director Jason Duet (do-A) says the CARES Act included 300 million dollars in saltwater fisheries aid, and of that Louisiana received 14.8 million dollars to help out fishermen.

Cut 13 (11) “…dot gov.”

Duet says a person is eligible for up to 10,000 dollars in aid.

Cut 14 (11) “…loss.” 

Duet says you must be at least 18 years old and live in Louisiana or have your business domiciled in Louisiana. You must be able to demonstrate you were in the industry as of 2018 or 2019.

Cut 15 (10) “…captain.” 

Applications will be accepted until October 26^th.

______________________________________

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says the Tigers spent the holiday weekend evaluating the first scrimmage of preaseason camp. Orgeron says several first time starters looked good including their freshman tight end…

Cut 16 (19) “…very well” 

Orgeron says they have been working on tackling during this preseason despite the coronavirus

Cut 17  (25) “…all of em” 

With LSU losing so much talent off of last year’s national championship team, there are many who are not picking the Tigers to repeat as SEC champs. Orgeron says he would not underestimate this team

Cut 18  (23) “…be fun”    

.

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says if the numbers support it, he hopes Governor Edwards will back a move to Phase Three so that kids can get more time in classrooms. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Governor John Bel Edwards could announce, as soon as today, whether the state will be moving into Phase Three of economic reopening this week. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Power companies are reporting major milestones in service restoration following Hurricane Laura.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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A court hearing over the fate of the state’s fall election plan will be held today.

The status of the upcoming election plan is in limbo as Governor Edwards has vowed to reject an election plan by Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin that is backed by the Legislature. Ardoin says…

Cut 4 (10)“ …plan.” 

Under Ardoin’s plan the only COVID-related reason for requesting an absentee ballot is if you test positive for the virus during early voting or before Election Day. Edwards calls that woefully inadequate for public health, and worries how that would impact those ordered to quarantine.

Ardoin says whatever the result of this hearing is his office needs some kind of plan approved soon…

Cut 5 (06)  “…to do”

Federal District Court Judge Shelly Dick is set to preside over the hearing that will run today and tomorrow.

Ardoin says the longer the state takes to approve a plan, the higher the chances we won’t know the election results the night of November 3^rd due to the increased mail-in balloting.

Cut 6 (06) “…time.”

Today’s hearing is the result of a lawsuit brought by three women, the NAACP, and voting rights groups that oppose Ardoin’s proposed plan.

____________________

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says school systems are anxiously awaiting the Governor’s expected announcement on a possible move to Phase Three.

Brumley says Phase Three would mean systems in lower transmission areas could start considering a transition back to more in-person education due to larger class size allowances.

Cut 7 (10) “…of school”

Due to Hurricane Laura, only about 40 school districts were in operation as of Friday.

Brumley says they’ve been making due so far with hybrid education due to the influx of funding from the state and feds, but it doesn’t work for every student.

Cut 8 (10) “…connection”

Brumley says there’s been good compliance when it comes to school or class shutdowns and quarantine orders linked to outbreaks. Another area of high compliance? Face masks.

Cut 9 (09) “…coverings.”

____________________________

Could Louisiana finally be moving on to Phase Three of economic reopening? Governor John Bel Edwards will announce his decision as soon as today as the current proclamation of Phase Two expires Friday.

Cut 10 (03) “…data supports that.”

The state moved into Phase 2 on June 5^th and on July 13^th had a modification added closing bars and mandating mask usage while inside businesses. Restaurants have been limited to 50% capacity for in-person dining. Indoor gatherings above 50 people have also been banned.

Edwards says recent metrics are encouraging in Louisiana’s battle against the spread of COVID-19.

Cut 11 (06) “…and so forth.”

Edwards applauds residents for their spread mitigation efforts in reopening the economy, but continues to encourage practicing safety measures around others until a vaccine is found no matter how burned out someone may be with them.

Cut 12 (04) “…stay on task.”

___________________

Cleco has restored power to roughly 93% of its 140,000 customers who lost power due to Hurricane Laura.  Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says the timeline on restoration for remaining customers hinges on the types of damages an area sustained.

Cut 13 (06) “…rebuilding the system.”

Cahill says the company has a better picture of the by-the-numbers breakdown of damages.  On the distribution side, damage included 1,600 downed or broken poles, 1,000 damaged transformers, and 4,700 damaged cross-arms.

Cut 14 (10) “…trees on lines.” 

Entergy sees its first customers in Calcasieu Parish regain service on Sunday morning.  Entergy spokesperson David Freese says it is a milestone moment in the recovery process.

Cut 15 (09) “…for our customers.” 

Freese says it still could be weeks before restoration happens for some.

Cut 16 (09) “…back power sooner.” 

_____________________________

The Saints are getting ready to take on Tom Brady’s Bucs Sunday for the first game of the season.

The offseason additions of Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski have the team looking fierce on paper. Coach Sean Payton says it’s hard to know just what to expect from them…

Cut 17  (11) “…seeing” 

Payton says the legendary new figurehead for their division rivals will make them a much tougher team to face…

Cut 18  (11) “…player   

Brady didn’t resign with New England after a disappointing first-round flame-out of the playoffs last year. Brady also saw a ten-point drop in his quarterback rating from 2019 to 2018.

Payton also had some thoughts about the Bucs star-studded defense featuring Devin White, Ndamukong Suh, and last year’s sacks leader Shaquill Barrett.

cut 19 (17) “…against”  

Kickoff is set for 3:25 PM.