The second special session of the year begins this evening with lawmakers authorized to tackle a wide range of topics over the next 30 days. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________

A Jefferson Parish fourth grader’s suspension for having a BB gun in view of his web camera during a virtual class has drawn the attention of Attorney General Jeff Landry. Matt Doyle spoke with the A-G…

Cut 2 (31) “…Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

Hurricane Laura is estimated to be the costliest storm in Entergy Louisiana’s history, $1.4 billion dollars in damage to the company’s infrastructure. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”  

_______________________________

Lawmakers will kick off the second special session of the year this evening at 6 PM.

The depleted unemployment trust fund, the Governor’s public health restrictions, and Hurricane Laura recovery are the three major stated reasons for the session but LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says a range of issues will be discussed over the next 30 days.

Cut 4 (10)“ …topics” 

Alford says traditionally hurricane response has been considered a federal-only issue but this Legislature has shown an interest in expanding their reach so we could see some state-level interventions in Laura recovery efforts…

Cut 5 (06) “area”

Frustration amongst some Republicans over COVID restrictions on businesses is reportedly a driving factor in the session being called. Parks Senator Fred Mills says the current restrictions will be discussed and input from all sides will be sought…

Cut 6 (13) “…possible”

Mills says lawmakers will hear from a range of experts and involved parties over how the state’s public health response could be improved.

Cut 7 (09) “…compromise”

Senate President Page Cortez says current laws dictating gubernatorial authority during public health crises didn’t imagine a situation as long-lasting as COVID. Cortez says lawmakers will consider whether some of that authority should be shared.

Cut 8 (11) “…involved”

The unemployment trust fund is expected to run out of money next week, triggering higher payroll taxes on businesses and reduced benefits for recipients starting next year. In response, some state leaders have suggested using money allocated to a small business grant program to sure up the fund, but Cortez says the State Treasurer John Schroder has put that idea to rest…

Cut 9 (09) “…trust fund”

_______________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry is investigating whether the Jefferson Parish School system violated the constitution by suspending a fourth-grader after a teacher saw the child move a BB gun during virtual instruction. Woodmere Elementary 4th grader Ka Mauri Harrison was suspended for six days.

Cut 10 (09) “…care.”

The nine-year-old’s brother had entered the room and tripped over the gun, at which point Harrison place the gun to the side, but still within view of his web camera. Harrison now has a weapons violation on his permanent record.

Landry says not only was it an overreaction, but it was also a violation of his constitutional rights, in this case, his 2^nd amendment rights.

Cut 11 (12) “…speech.”

Harrison returned to school Thursday after his suspension ended.

The case raises the question of whether schools can control what they see in a student’s web camera. Landry says at most virtual classes are public spaces, which don’t have the same restrictions as physical school property.

Cut 12 (08) “precedent”

The Jefferson Parish Public School System does not comment on a student’s individual record.

But they point to their policy that says the illegal carrying, possession, or use of a firearm or dangerous weapon within the boundaries of school property is a crime.

____________________________________________________

Entergy Louisiana estimates the cost to restore power following Hurricane Laura is one-point-four billion dollars. CEO Phillip May says 18-hundred transmission towers were damaged or destroyed and the number of distribution poles lost is only second to Hurricane Rita.

Cut 13 (12) “…after the storm”

May says the company is exploring avenues to minimize as much as possible passing on recovery costs to Entergy customers.

Cut 14 (09) “our customers”

For a ten year period after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Entergy customers had a surcharge on their bill to pay for those restoration costs..

______________________________________________

The defending national champion LSU Tigers have some soul searching to do after getting upset in the season opener by Mississippi State 44-34. Bulldogs Quarterback K.J. Costello threw for an SEC record 623 yards and five touchdowns. Safety Jacoby Stevens called in an embarrassing performance

Cut 15 (11) “…show up today”

Mississippi State had three players record at least 100 receiving yards. The Tigers played without All-American cornerback Derek Stingley Junior, because of a non-COVID illness that put him in the hospital on Friday. Coach Ed Orgeron says they tried to play man-to-man defense with an inexperience secondary

Cut 16 (20) “…obviously” 

The offense had its issues as well on Saturday. Coach Ed Orgeron called quarterback Myles Brennan’s performance inconsistent…

Cut 17 (16) “…beat up front” 

Brennan threw for 345 yards and three touchdowns, but he was also intercepted twice and sacked seven times as the Tigers new offensive line had trouble protecting him. Brennan says they don’t want to get used to losing

Cut 18  (18) “…move forward” 

LSU is at Vanderbilt on Saturday night.

___________________________________________________________________

The 27th ranked Ragin Cajuns are 3-0 for the first time since 1988 after squeaking out a 20-18 victory over Georgia Southern on Saturday at Cajun Field. The Eagles took a one point lead with 54 seconds left, but Cajuns quarterback Levi Lewis completed three passes to set up a 53-yard field and Nate Snyder nailed it. Coach Billy Napier on Snyder who missed four fields in three games before that remarkable kick…

Cut 19  (19) “…kick”    

The Cajuns won despite not having several starters and reserves available because of COVID-19 and injuries. Napier says this game will serve as a great learning tool for these young adults

cut 20 (25) “..game of football”

U-L Lafayette’s next game is a week from Wednesday, October 7th, at Appalachian State.

LSU begins defense of its national championship with a new quarterback, Myles Brennan. Jeff Palermo has more on the six-foot-four junior from Mississippi…

Cut 1 (31) “…Jeff Palermo”  

____________________________

Many central Louisiana Suddenlink customers still don’t have internet, phone, and TV service over a month after Hurricane Laura struck. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

After watching Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow break nearly every passing record last season, Myles Brennan gets a chance to show what he can do as the LSU starting quarterback when LSU hosts Mississippi State tomorrow. Brennan says he’s looking forward to writing his own story

Cut 3 (11)  “this season”  

Brennan has appeared in 17 games for the Tigers since 2017, mostly in mop up duty. The six-foot-four junior was asked how he’ll keep his emotions in check now that he’s the starter

Cut 4 (12)“ field first” 

LSU only returns two starters on offense and three starters on defense from last year’s national championship team. But Brennan says despite the inexperience they’ll be just fine

Cut 5 (11)  “calling us back ”

_________________

Former President Barack Obama has endorsed Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins for U-S Senate. UL-Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says an endorsement is never a bad thing, but he doesn’t feel it will sway white Louisiana voters at the polls since only 14-percent of them supported Obama in 2012.

Cut 6 (09)  “…Mr. Perkins”  

However, Cross says the endorsement does raise Perkin’s profile on a national level.

Cut 7 (12)“ go for those” 

Cross says there has not been much attention focused on the Senate race because Louisiana is perceived as a red state and it’s unlikely to flip.

Cut 8 (11)  “…being spent.” 

Perkins is running against incumbent Republican Bill Cassidy.

________________________

State lawmakers approved the taxing rate for online fantasy sports betting in June, but players will have to wait until at least mid-November before they can legally use Fan Duel and Draft Kings. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says the Gaming Control Board still has to act…

Cut 9 (10) “…case”

Stefanski says when there’s a change to Louisiana’s gambling laws, there’s a lengthy wait for approval between the public input periods, the Gaming Control Board, and the Legislature…

Cut 10 (11) “…so chose”

Stefanski says online fantasy sports gaming is currently in a period of public comment under the Gaming Control Board. Once that period passes the issue will be shot back to the Legislature for final approval of rules, then back to the Gaming Control Board for potential finalization at a November 19^th meeting.

Despite passing legislation and parish-by-parish votes approving the activity,  Louisiana is one of only eight states where you can’t log onto FanDuel or Draft Kings and play. Stefanski explains the delay…

Cut 11 (11) “…have that”

____________________________________________________

A month after Laura ripped through the state many central Louisiana Suddenlink customers are still without internet, phone, and television service.

Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says Cleco restored power to the region within ten days of Laura’s arrival, but Suddenlink is dragging their feet.

Cut 12 (08) “…competition”

Suddenlink CEO Dexter Goei reported that about 90 percent of customers had been restored but Johnson says the sheer volume of constituent calls and emails he gets puts that estimation into question.

Johnson says there are a lot of kids who can’t take their online classes, businesses who can’t operate, nursing home residents who are isolated, and clinics who can’t receive medical records.

Cut 13 (10) “…not right”

Suddenlink was purchased by foreign firm Altice in 2012. Johnson says since then Cenla customers have seen a drastic decline in the quality of their service, but unfortunately, Suddenlink is the only provider in the area.

Johnson says because of this incident and the company’s history of selling services they can’t provide they’re pushing the Attorney General to start using his power to intervene, and…

Cut 14 (06) “…consideration”

About 92-hundred households in six parishes hit hard by Hurricane Laura are eligible for housing assistance and that includes the opportunity to put a FEMA trailer on their property. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…Jeff Palermo”  

____________________________

Louisiana saw a 15 percent decline in the rate of women who were murdered by men from 2017 to 2018. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

FEMA is providing manufactured housing units to residents in southwest Louisiana who are not able to live in their homes because of Hurricane Laura damage. FEMA Division Supervisor Gerry Stolar says there are about 92-hundred households in six parishes who qualify for this type of assistance

Cut 3 (08)  “homeowner’s site”  

Stolar says they are also looking at putting dozens of manufactured homes in lots around Lake Charles.

FEMA trailers caused illnesses for those living in the portable homes after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, because of a hazardous level of formaldehyde. Stolar says those issues have been resolved

Cut 4 (10)“ occurred there” 

FEMA will contact residents whose homes have been identified as uninhabitable to determine their housing needs. FEMA Individual Assistance Supervisor Liz Redfearn says if a Laura survivor initially declines the offer, they can reconsider

Cut 5 (12)  “calling us back ”

FEMA says there are 11-thousand storm victims living in 47-hundred hotel rooms in Louisiana.

_________________

For the first time in two weeks, there are no tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Basin,  after a breathless few weeks where as many as five named storms were active in the Atlantic at once.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says the quiet period is due to the nature of tropical systems…

Cut 6 (12)  “…energy”  

The National Hurricane Center is currently not monitoring any systems other than the scattered remains of Beta currently in Mississippi.

Keim says he’s still expecting a record this year for named storms…

Cut 7 (11)“ of things” 

There have been 23 named storms this year, eight hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. The record for named storms was set in 2005 with 27.

Keim says some of the modeling community is projecting after about a week’s break the Basin will again start churning out systems…

Cut 8 (08)  “…season” 

________________________

Louisiana saw a notable drop in the rate of women murdered by men in 2018, about 15 percent.

Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Director Mariah Wineski says it appears a number of legislative efforts are finally coming to fruition.

Cut 9 (08) “…orders”

54 female homicide victims were identified in the report for 2018, with 34, or 63 percent, of them being Black women.

67 percent of victims were killed with a firearm, but Wineski says a 2018 law requiring domestic abusers to transfer possession of their firearms is just now coming into play.

Cut 10 (10) “…firearms”

Despite the drop, Louisiana still had the 5^th highest rate in the nation. Wineski says we have a lot of work to do when it comes to identifying situations that will eventually become homicides.

Cut 11 (12) “…opportunities”

Louisiana’s rate of 2.26 victims per 100,000 women in 2018 was 77 percent higher than the national average.

____________________________________________________

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has received a flu shot and he’s encouraging all Louisiana to get the vaccination as well. Nungesser participated in a Walgreens Flu Shot promotion with Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow

Cut 12 (08) “…side effects”

Nungesser says it’s especially important to get the flu shot this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic…

Cut 13 (09) “…to do”

Nungesser says getting the flu shot can save your life…

Cut 14 (10) “…nationally”

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says the November election should not stop President Trump from naming a Supreme Court Justice nominee. Jim Shannon has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…Jim Shannon”  

____________________________

The vast majority of Entergy Louisiana customers in southwest Louisiana have now had their power restored. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

A Pineville police officer who alleged Sunday night that he had been ambushed and shot is now under arrest for allegedly shooting himself and then lying about it.

Deputy Chief of Pineville P-D Darrell Basco says the incident was investigated and they now believe Officer John Goulart Jr. filed a false report.

Cut 3 (10)  “shot him”  

The incident occurred behind a shopping center, and Goulart suffered minor injuries and was released from the hospital Monday.

Basco says they’re still piecing together exactly what happened but they’re confident Goulart was lying.

Cut 4 (09)“ office” 

Goulart has been booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center and is on administrative leave.

Basco says the incident is incredibly disappointing.

Cut 5 (13)  “to do ”

CrimeStoppers offered a 5,000 dollar reward for information leading to an arrest in what was initially believed to have been an ambush.

_________________

Democrats say the winner of the November presidential election should be the one who names a new justice to replace the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Supreme Court seat. But Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy says the U-S Constitution says nothing about the electoral calendar

Cut 6 (11)  “…Senate votes”  

The President is expected to announce a nominee on Saturday and hearings could start next month. But Kennedy says the Senate will not rush to hold a confirmation vote before the election

Cut 7 (10)“ …we’re ready” 

Kennedy says as a member of the Judiciary Committee, he’ll judge the nominee on basis of intelligence, temperament and integrity and he’s not looking for a judge to be a politician in robes…

Cut 8 (08)  “…ought to be” 

________________________

Only 2,500 Entergy Louisiana customers in Cameron and Calcasieu parishes remain without power just under a month after Laura devastated southwest Louisiana.

Spokesperson Brandon Scardigli says restoring power to the hard-hit area has been a monumental task.

Cut 9 (10) “…time”

Entergy Louisiana sustained an estimated 1.25 to 1.4 billion dollars in damage to its infrastructure as a result of the storm.

Scardigli says they managed to get power back to 99 percent of their customers by bringing a 13,000 worker strong army into southwest Louisiana.

Cut 10 (09) “…Canada”

About 13,000 total customers remain without power in Cameron and Calcasieu parishes.

Scardigli says those 2,500 customers are scattered throughout the parish and not in just one geographical area. He says they’re mostly homes that were severely damaged.

Cut 11 (09) “…right away”

____________________________________________________

During a visit to LSU’s campus, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Doctor Deborah Birx says the changes made to Louisiana’s COVID-19 mitigation measures saved lives. Birx says two and a half months ago, 80-percent of the parishes had over a ten-percent positivity rate on coronavirus tests taken, but there’s been a decline in cases since the mask mandate

Cut 12 (05) “…masks work”

On July 11th, Governor Edwards called for a statewide mask mandate and closed bars. Birx says it’s important these mitigation measures stay in place…

Cut 13 (07) “…discussion”

Since Birx was on the LSU campus, she was asked about the university having 25-thousand fans inside Tiger Stadium this Saturday for the season opener versus Mississippi State. Birx says it’s important that fans stay socially distanced from others and the no tailgating rule is a good one…

Cut 14 (10) “…event”

A State Trooper who was set to be fired for his role in the death of a black man while in police custody has died from injuries sustained in a single-vehicle car crash. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

________________________________

400 “mystery seed” specimens were mailed to Louisiana residents two months ago and a carefully analysis of the specimens revealed some good news. Matt Doyle spoke with Ag Commissioner Mike Strain.

Cut 2 (30) “…Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

Republicans will attempt to roll back some of Governor Edwards’ public health restrictions in the upcoming special session, but Edwards isn’t sweating it…

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________

Families whose children receive free or reduced-price lunches in school have only one week left to apply for Pandemic-EBT cards. The cards were authorized to make up for the missed meals children did not receive when schools closed in March. Louisiana Department of Education spokesperson Ted Beasley says families of 500,000 students have applied so far…

Cut 4 (06)“ … the first time” 

Beasley says families of those 264,000 students are leaving a lot of money on the table.

Cut 5 (08)  “dollars”

Beasley says this is money for families that need it most.

Cut 6 (10) “…all day”

To apply go to Louisianabelieves.com.

__________________________

State Trooper Chris Hollingsworth, who was set to be fired for his role in the death of a Black man in police custody, has died from injuries sustained in a single-car crash near Monroe. The FBI is investigating whether Hollingsworth and other troopers covered up how Ronald Greene of West Monroe died in May of 2019. President of Metropolitan Crime Commission Rafael Goyeneche says State Police has done a poor job investigating…

Cut 7 (08) “…answers.”

State Police originally reported that Greene died in a high speed chase, but his family says they’ve uncovered evidence that shows Greene may have been assaulted by Troopers who attempted to arrest him. Goyeneche wonders why this new information is coming out over a year later…

Cut 8 (09) “…May 2019 incident”

Multiple media reports say Hollingsworth received a notice of termination a day before he got involved in a single-vehicle wreck. Goyeneche asks why it took 15 months before State Police took action against Hollingsworth…

Cut 9 (09) “…an explanation”

Governor John Bel Edwards said on Tuesday that he has complete confidence in the head of State Police, Colonel Kevin Reeves, as they investigate Greene’s death.

_______________________________________

Officials say over 16,000 “mystery seed” specimens were sent out to residents nationwide two months ago, but they appear to be mostly harmless. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says we still don’t know exactly who sent the mystery seeds to people in the US, UK, and Caribbean, but…

Cut 10 (11) “…seeds.”

That being said Strain says you still shouldn’t handle or plant the seeds and should report receiving any mystery seed packages to Ag and Forestry.

Strain says in Louisiana we’ve received over 400 mystery seed specimens. Nationwide we’ve seen them come in from 44 different countries…

Cut 11 (04) “…identified.”

Strain says the feds are working to make sure something like this never happens again.

Cut 12 (09) “…plants”

____________________________________________________

The upcoming special session will see a major debate over the reopening of Louisiana’s economy. Since the summer, many GOP lawmakers have vocally condemned the Governor for acting unilaterally on pandemic restrictions, but Edwards says you can’t manage a public health crisis by committee…

Cut 13 (10) “…council”

A legislative petition circulated early in the summer seeking to override the Governor’s public health emergency but was not successful.

Critics have attacked the Governor for issuing broad statewide orders instead of allowing parishes to set their own criteria for the reopening of businesses. Edwards countered…

Cut 14 (11) “critical.”

One of the most prominent complaints appears to be about limitations of where bars can open and the fact they can only serve until 11 pm. Edwards says if the virus is too prevalent there are some things you just can’t do…

Cut 15 (09) “…the virus”

Bars can only open in parishes with less than a five percent positivity rate, which excludes the vast majority of parishes at this moment.

The special session will kick off Monday and run for 30 days. It will also focus on the depleted unemployment insurance trust fund and Hurricane Laura recovery.

___________________________

LSU’s season opener against Mississippi State will certainly feel and sound different on Saturday as Tiger Stadium, which holds 100-thousand fans, will be limited to just 25-thousand because of the coronavirus. But Safety Jacoby Stevens says the smaller crowd will not damper their enthusiasm…

Cut 16 (22) “…upcoming Saturday” 

Saturday also marks Mike Leach’s first game as a head coach in the SEC. His Air Raid offense has been successful at Texas Tech and Washington State and Stevens says Leach knows how to get the most out of his team

Cut 17 (16) “…their potential” 

______________________________________________

There were a lot of heroes in Louisiana Tech’s come from behind one-point win over Southern Miss last Saturday. Freshman linebacker Tyler Grubbs fits that description as he had 16 tackles in his collegiate debut. Coach Skip Holtz compliments Grubbs’ preparation

Cut 18  (30) “…four years” 

The Bulldogs stormed back to beat the Golden Eagles with a reduced roster because of COVID-19. Also Tech didn’t even have many physical practices leading into the game. Holtz says he still can’t believe they won

Cut 19  (29) “…as a coach”    

Louisiana Tech will host Houston Baptist on Saturday. Capacity at Joe Aillet Stadium will be set at 25-percent, 71-hundred available seats and up to one-thousand student tickets. Holtz is looking forward to playing at home

cut 20 (17) “..at.home”

State lawmakers have called themselves into a special session to debate the governor’s coronavirus restrictions, the unemployment trust fund and Hurricane Laura recovery. Jim Shannon has more from the House Speaker…

Cut 1 (29) “…Jim Shannon”  

____________________________

The Main Street Recovery Grant program has obligated more than half of its 275 million dollar fund so far. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

Louisiana lawmakers will start a special session on Monday to address the state’s unemployment trust fund that’s running out of money, to discuss Hurricane Laura recovery efforts and debate the governor’s coronavirus executive orders. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says many legislators are concerned with the ongoing COVID restrictions on businesses..

Cut 3 (10)  “…voice in it”  

Edwards says he’s relied on public health experts and the White House Coronavirus Task Force to guide the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. He says there’s evidence the measures they’ve taken are working. But Schexnayder says they are not working for everyone.

Cut 4 (10)“ …that are not” 

Schexnayder says the state’s Unemployment Trust Fund is another major priority. He says in March the fund had one-point-one billion dollars, but now has less than 100-million dollars and when it runs out of money, a higher payroll tax on businesses will kick in…

Cut 5 (11)  “on them ”

The special session will last 30 days and lawmakers can file and consider bills on 70 items.

_________________

The Louisiana Law Enforcement Association says once all of the facts come out, four Shreveport police officers indicted for negligent homicide in the death of a mentally disturbed man will be exonerated. A grand jury handed down the indictments last week and L-L-E-A director Chris Stewart says Caddo District Attorney James Stewart has mismanaged the case

Cut 6 (06)  “…at all”  

James Stewart says 44-year-old Tommie McGlothen’s death in April could have been prevented. There’s video evidence of officers wrestling, hitting and tazing McGlothen, who was then left in the back of a police cruiser for 48-minutes, largely unsupervised. Chris Stewart says the public has an incomplete picture of what happened

Cut 7 (08)“ …right now” 

Because the case has yet to go to trial, Chris Stewart says he can’t provide specific reasons on why the officers will be exonerated, but he’s confident that will be the outcome

Cut 8 (04)  “…vindicated” 

The four officers facing charges are 28-year-old Treona McCarter, 27-year-old Brian Matthew Ross, 27-year-old James LeClare and 25-year-old D’Marea Johnson.

________________________

More than 170 million dollars in Main Street Recovery Grants have been obligated so far from the small business assistance program’s 275-million-dollar fund. 

State Treasurer John Schroder says within that 275-million-dollar program was a promise to dedicate at least 40 million to women, minority, and veteran owned businesses. They’ve hit that mark, and… 

Cut 9 (05) “…dollars”

Businesses with fewer than 50 employees that are headquartered in Louisiana, and who suffered economic losses due to COVID can apply for grants worth up to 15,000 dollars. The average payout per business so far has been over 10,000 dollars.  

There’s some discussion that funds from the program should be reallocated to the dwindling unemployment trust fund, but Schroder believes they’re set to give away the entire pot by the November 4th deadline. 

Cut 10 (08) “…the money”

While 170 million has been obligated to eligible businesses, only about 40 million has been sent out so far.  

Schroder says it’s not too late for your business to apply for the free cash… 

Cut 11 (05) “…thousand”

_______________________

Has father time finally caught up to 41-year-old Saints QB Drew Brees? Through two games the legend has looked off, missing throws he used to nail with ease and barely pushing the ball down the field. When asked point-blank about that narrative Brees responded…

Cut 12 (08) “…us win”

Brees passed for 312 yards and one TD with one pick in last night’s 34-24 loss to the Raiders. He had 160 and two TDs in last week’s 34-23 win over the Bucs.

Brees’ “air yards”, the distance his average pass travels before being caught, sits at just 4.8. That’s the lowest of his career through the first two games of a season. Brees says he’s just going to the open man…

Cut 13 (06) “…do it.”

That 4.8 air yards per pass is the lowest of any QB through two games since Brett Favre in 2009. Favre would go on to bounce back and make it to the NFC Championship game, losing to the Saints.

The offense has looked troubled through two games, but Brees says they’ll get the usually prolific outfit back on track…

Cut 14 (05) “…close”  (2x)

According to Football Outsiders, the team’s offensive efficiency rating through two games ranks 12^th.

Beginning today you can visit your loved ones in veterans homes. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________

President Trump says he’ll name a replacement for the recently departed Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Saturday, and called for a vote before the November 3^rd election. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

LSU announces an all-time enrollment record of 34,290 students. Jeff Palermo reports the university is also celebrating a more diverse student body…

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_______________________________

Louisiana veterans homes will begin allowing in-person visits today for the first time since the pandemic began.

Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs spokesperson Brandee Patrick says everyone entering the facilities will be required to mask up and get screened just like the staff does every morning…

Cut 4 (11)“ …given one” 

Homes included in the initial visitation program are in Monroe, Bossier City, Reserve, and Jennings, and the program will only be allowed at facilities that have not had a staff member or resident test positive for 14 days.

For at least the next 28 days visitations will have to happen outdoors and visitors will have to stay six feet away from their loved ones. Patrick says it will likely take place on the spacious patios…

Cut 5 (10)  “areas.”

Patrick says visitations will be conducted Monday through Friday from 9 to 11 AM and 1 to 4 PM, and visitors must call the home to set up a reservation.

Cut 6 (08) “…done.”

The protocol was designed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the CDC.

__________________________

President Trump says he will name a replacement for recently deceased Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Friday or Saturday.

The declaration has sparked a firestorm with the Presidential Election just over 40 days away but  ULM Poli Sci Professor John Sutherlin says he expects that nominee won’t be confirmed before November 3^rd…

Cut 7 (12) “…issue.”

Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell says the upper chamber will move to confirm before the inauguration next year. That’s caused Democrats to cry foul over precedent Senate Republicans set when they blocked President Obama’s nominee in 2016.

Sutherlin says the next justice will almost certainly have to be a woman, and New Orleans native and Federal Appellate Judge Amy Coney Barrett appears to be at the top of the shortlist.

Cut 8 (07) “…judge”

Fox News reports that Mr. Trump has met with Barrett.

The 48-year-old Barrett is a protégée of former Justice Antonin Scalia, and a graduate of Dominican High in New Orleans, and Notre Dame Law School. She was named to the Appellate Court by President Trump in 2017.

A replacement judge for Ginsburg would likely shift the High Court’s balance on issues like the Affordable Care Act and abortion. Sutherlin says Barrett is clear on one of them…

Cut 9 (07) “…Wade”

Democratic leaders have signaled that they’re willing to pull out all the stops to halt the nomination process until after the inauguration, and even threatened to add new seats to the court if a Trump nominee is approved and Democrats win the upcoming election.

_______________________________________

The Saints had a double digit lead in Las Vegas on Monday night, but the Raiders got rolling in their new stadium and defeated New Orleans 34-24. For the second straight week the Saints offense couldn’t get into a  rhythm while the Raiders had the ball for 36-plus minutes. Coach Sean Payton says allowing the Raiders to convert 10-of-17 on third downs hurt

Cut 10 (12) “…as well.”

Raiders Quarterback Derek Carr threw for 282 yards and three touchdowns, while Saints Q-B Drew Brees threw for 312 yards and a touchdown. He was also intercepted once at the end of the second quarter…

Cut 11 (12) “…in person.”

The Saints defense had trouble stopping Raiders tight end Darren Waller, who had 12 catches for 103 yards and one touchdown. Also New Orleans committed ten penalties for 129 yards. Defensive end Cam Jordan says they have a lot to fix before their next game on Sunday against Green Bay…

Cut 12 (12) “…these mistakes”

New Orleans hosts the 2-0 Packers on Sunday night. The Saints are 1-1.

____________________________________________________

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, LSU has set a record for enrollment at 34-thousand students and for the third-straight year, the school has broken a record for the largest and most diverse freshman class in university history. Interim President Tom Galligan says these gains speak to the reputation of LSU…

Cut 13 (12) “…wonderful, wonderful state”

Freshmen enrollment is a record 67-hundred students and Galligan says the freshman class is made up of 17-percent Black students, which is a record and Hispanic students in the freshman class is also a record at nine-percent…

Cut 14 (10) “…welcoming environment.”

LSU has also broken records for retention rate as the first to third-year retention is 75-percent.

LSU has received criticism for its holistic admission approach, which considers a student’s background, the rigor of curriculum they took in high school and life circumstances. Some say the school has lowered its standards, but Galligan says the quality of student entering LSU has not wavered…

Cut 15 (09) “…admissions.”

___________________________

Junior Quarterback Myles Brennan will begin the difficult task on Saturday in trying to follow the footsteps of Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow. Brennan will be the starting QB for the reigning national champs when they host Mississippi State. Brennan has been waiting for his opportunity and Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s always believed in the Mississippi native…

Cut 16 (21) “…summertime” 

Burrow benefited by playing with fellow first round picks Justin Jefferson and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. He also had Biletnikoff award winner Ja’Marr Chase. Brennan doesn’t have those weapons, but he will have the opportunity to connect with big tight end Arik Gilbert. Coach Ed Orgeron says Gilbert has drawn comparisons to former Detriot Lions receiver Calvin Johnson…

Cut 17 (20) “…Calvin Johnson” 

LSU’s offense set all kinds of passing records last season. Orgeron says for LSU to have an explosive passing attack again, Brennan needs to make smart decisions with the football…

Cut 18  (16) “…make plays” 

__________________________________________________

ULM is off to an 0-2 start after losing to Texas State 38-17 last Saturday. Warhawks Quarterback Colby Suits threw for 377 yards in a loss, but Coach Matt Viator wants a more balanced attack and would like to get the ground game going

Cut 19  (22) “…football better”    

ULM running back Josh Johnson was held to just three yards a carry on 17 attempts last week. The Warhawks are home again this Saturday against UTEP. The Miners from Conference USA are two and one on the season as they have wins over Stephen F Austin and Abilene Christian, but were blown out by Texas. Viator on what UTEP likes to do on defense

cut 20 (13) “…home again”

State lawmakers could vote as early as today to call themselves into a special session. Jim Shannon on what legislators will consider…

Cut 1 (31) “…Jim Shannon”  

____________________________

Louisiana local governments are projected to lose an average of six percent of their expected revenue for the 2021 fiscal year. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

It appears likely that lawmakers will return to Baton Rouge for a special session covering several different issues that would start next Monday.

The vote to enter the session is imminent, and LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says it will cover everything from Hurricane Laura to unemployment, but…

Cut 3 (07)  “…emergency.”  

Alford says a number of Republican lawmakers are not happy with the COVID restrictions still in place, including capacity limits, bar limitations, and the outright closure of some businesses.

A petition to roll back the public health emergency failed, and Alford says Legislative attempts to override the Governor’s order will be tough to pull off…

Cut 4 (06)“ …possible” 

Initially, it was thought an October special session would be called to allocate potential Congressional relief money, but Alford says those D.C. negotiations have stalled and lawmakers may have to return to Baton Rouge in December for another special session if those funds get passed.

Alford says even if Republicans manage to file an effort to override his public health emergency many lawmakers feel the issue will have to be settled in court.

Cut 5 (11)  “inherent ”

Alford says it is likely the session would begin September 28th and run 30 days.

_________________

Pineville Police say one of its officers was shot last night in the leg behind a shopping center in what authorities are calling a police ambush. Deputy Chief of Pineville P-D Darrell Basco says the wounded officer heard two gunshots shortly after he exited his police cruiser

Cut 6 (08)  “…and released”  

Basco says the second shot hit the rear door of the police car. He says Crimestoppers has offered a five-thousand-dollar reward for information

Cut 7 (10)“ …the area” 

Basco says the officer was on routine patrol when the shooting occurred near the intersection of Military Highway and Donahue Ferry Road. He says they are not sure if this was a planned attack

Cut 8 (11)  “…right now.”

________________________

Most of south Louisiana is under a flash flood watch until Wednesday night as Tropical Storm Beta is expected to produce several inches of rain in the Bayou State. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the rain will be on and off for the new few days

Cut 9 (09) “…four days”

Keim says if you are tired of the hot weather there is some good news. He says the rainfall and cloud cover will hold down the high temperatures…

Cut 10 (11) “…low 80s”

Tropical Storm Beta is a slow mover and after making landfall in Texas, it’s expected to move northeast and the center of the storm will be in central Louisiana as a depression on Thursday morning.

Keim says as long as Beta doesn’t produce huge amounts of rain over a short period of time, Louisiana should be able to handle its rainfall

Cut 11 (11) “…accommodate rain ”

_______________________

Louisiana local governments are expected to see a 714 million-dollar decline in revenues for the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years combined due to COVID and Laura.

Legislative Auditor economist Ed Seyler says local governments are heavily dependent on sales taxes which have seen major reductions due to mandatory business closures and mass layoffs…

Cut 12 (08) “…taxes”

For the 2021 fiscal year, the expected total revenue loss sits just under six percent for local governments statewide.

Hurricane ravaged Cameron and Calcasieu are expected to see a 17 and 10 percent drop in 2021 revenue respectively. Seyler says there’s a chance though that storm repair could soften the blow…

Cut 13 (08) “…jobs.”

Other parishes seeing the largest declines in fiscal year 2021 are Orleans at 13 percent, Jefferson and Natchitoches at eight percent, and St. John, St. Tammany, and Beauregard at six percent.

Seyler says the numbers were compiled by the Auditor’s office into a report you can find on their website. He says the numbers are troubling…

Cut 14 (07) “…Louisiana.”

An optimistic projection estimates a loss of only 523 million during those years, while a more pessimistic projection pegs it at 860 million.

__________________________