Colleges and universities will publicly report on-campus COVID-19 case data each week with the total weekly tally of cases appearing on the state’s COVID-19 dashboard. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

The National Hurricane Center is forecasting two hurricanes will be in the Gulf of Mexico next week. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

Colleges and universities will publicly report on-campus COVID-19 case data each week. Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Alex Billioux says the main goal is to pinpoint where outbreaks occur in an effort to mitigate further spread.

Cut 3 (11)  “…early as possible.”  

Billioux says it will be a challenge to handle college outbreaks in the same way of dealing with certain types of business or buildings as on a campus, you’ve got both on-campus and off-campus living, sprawling buildings, and a variety of places that could be linked to outbreaks.

Cut 4 (11)“ …to the public.” 

Some colleges, including LSU, are doing their own contact tracing and surveillance efforts. Billioux says state officials are working with school officials to answer any questions they may have and give them policy recommendations.

Cut 5 (10)  “…being paid for.”

The total weekly tally of cases reported by universities will appear on the state’s COVID-19 dashboard.

_________________

An Ochsner anti-body survey of the Baton Rouge region uncovers some unsettling data about COVID-19.

Ochsner Research Scientist Dr. Amy Feehan says they discovered 61 percent of those who tested positive for a contagious infection were not showing symptoms and likely didn’t know they were carrying the virus.

Cut 6 (04) “…or not”

The survey says a demographically representative sample of 2,100 people in the roughly 550,000 person region were tested. The survey provided data similar to what was found in a New Orleans region study that Blacks were three times as likely as whites to get infected.

Feehan says those who reported the loss of smell and taste were eight and a half times more likely to test positive for COVID-19, and it’s no simple allergy season kind of sensory loss…

Cut 7 (10) “…severe.”

During the summer second wave Baton Rouge became a nationally recognized hotspot of COVID transmission, but Feehan says despite that only about 10 percent of the population has antibodies…

Cut 8 (05) “area”

______________________________

There’s the potential for two hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico next week. State Climatologist Barry Keim says one of the storms is expected to enter the Gulf on Sunday after moving over the Yucatan Penisula. Keim says the official forecast track calls for this system to develop into a hurricane as it approaches the Louisiana-Texas coastline

Cut 9 (08) “…very good”

Keim says southwest Louisiana needs to be on guard and so does southeast Louisiana as that part of the state is in the cone of uncertainty for Tropical Storm Laura which will most past south Florida on Monday

Cut 10 (07) “…successive days.”

Weather experts say it’s been since 1933 since there have been two named storms in the Gulf of Mexico.

Laura is expected to make landfall as a hurricane on the northern gulf coast on Wednesday while the other storm system could make landfall in Louisiana or Texas on Tuesday.

Cut 11 (08) “…both of them.”

Heavy rainfall is the greatest threat to the area, with two to six inches forecasted Monday through Thursday. Strong winds and elevated tides are also possible.

________________

A Baton Rouge man who killed a woman in a high-speed wreck last summer after he says God told him to kill himself is found not guilty by reason of insanity. 19-year-old Jack Jordan’s attorney, James Manasseh, says three medical experts observed his client and said he was not of sound mind at the time of the incident, and the district attorney agreed.

Cut 12 (10) “…that time”

Stephanie Payne was idling at a Baton Rouge intersection on July 22^nd when Jordan slammed his vehicle into hers at over 90 miles per hour.

Manasseh says it’s the definition of a tragedy and one no one saw coming from Jordan who was described as a good student on his way to college.

Cut 13 (08) “…tragedy” 

Jordan does not appear to have had a history of drug or alcohol use or a criminal record.

Manasseh says Jordan’s next court hearing is in October.

Cut 14 (11) “…released”

Manasseh says his client is responding well to medication and therapy and has acknowledged that he does have a severe mental illness.

_____________________

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is bracing for the potential of two tropical systems impacting Louisiana next week.  GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says conference calls with coastal parishes have already begun

Cut 15 (13) “at that time.” 

Steele says the storms are a reminder that it is important for residents to develop a plan of action and shore up their hurricane supply kits with enough supplies to sustain every member of the family for at least three days.

Cut 16 (11) “…things become strained.” 

The 2020 US Census is in its final months, but the Bayou State is in danger of being undercounted due to lack of response. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

_____________________________________

Local governments across the state are suffering big budget shortfalls and the Louisiana Municipal Association says cities and towns are going to need more federal aid before the end of the year. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

Governor Edwards feels the latest metrics are encouraging, indicating the state is trending in the right direction in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

______________________________

As the deadline to complete the 2020 Census looms, the Bayou State is falling short in responses, which could put the state in danger of losing future funding and possible representation in Congress. U-S Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross says the national response rate to the Census is 64-percent and Louisiana is at 58-percent.

Cut 4 (12)“ ..ten years.” 

Ross says if your community is 5-percent undercounted it could be a loss of $15 million over the next decade.

Being undercounted could adversely affect funding for schools, roads, and hospitals and Ross says it could also affect Congressional representation.

Cut 5 (09)  “…that seat.”

You are required by law to answer the Census and Ross says the questionnaire takes 10 minutes to complete, if you do not, you will be personally visited by a Census worker.

Cut 6 (12) “…send it in.”

Census enumerators take a lifelong oath of office and it is a Federal Offense to reveal any personal information obtained during the Census.

______________________________

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin gave emotional and at times teary-eyed testimony at a Senate Committee Thursday over his controversial fall election plan that rolls back the summer’s mail-in balloting options.

Governor Edwards has outright rejected the plan on public health grounds. Ardoin says his plan needs Legislative and Executive support to be implemented or it will head to the courts…

Cut 7 (08) “…this plan.”

Under Ardoin’s 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 says that makes no consideration for those susceptible to the virus, or those ordered to quarantine.

Ardoin says he wishes the Legislature and Governor would agree to a compromise and accept another plan, but until then he feels this proposal has the best chance to be implemented.

Cut 8 (07) “…passed”

There are 74 days until the November Presidential Election and Ardoin says the state can’t afford a protracted partisan dispute over election rules.

Cut 9 (13) “my state”

____________________

The Louisiana Municipal Association calls on Congress to include aid to struggling local governments in the next pandemic relief package.

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says they’ve been hammered by dual disasters in last year’s tornado and the pandemic. To survive this period they need federal aid.

Cut 10 (10) “…this.”

The National League of Cities estimates 90 percent of municipalities will not be able to meet their budgets. Preliminary figures show a 20-30 percent loss of sales tax revenue nationwide and a 13 percent decline in overall revenue for the current fiscal year.

Woodworth Mayor David Butler says small towns like his are already are tight budgets with little room to cut. They’ve seen a 10-12 percent drop in sales tax revenue, and declining franchise fees.

Cut 11 (10) “…already”

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter expects sales tax revenue to be down 6-12 percent, and gaming revenue, which makes up a large portion of the budget, to be down by up to 15 percent.

Cut 12 (07) “…Lake Charles.”

In Kenner Mayor Ben Zahn says he’s worried about a 20 million dollar shortfall they are facing. He says it is largely due to declining sales tax revenue which makes up 70 percent of the budget.

Cut 13 (12) “badly” 

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor in May estimated 1.1 billion dollars in lost local sales tax revenue.

________________________

Governor Edwards feels the latest metrics are showing the state is trending in the right direction in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.  The state overall has seen its daily percentage of positive tests drop below 10 percent.  Broken down by region, Edwards says four out of nine are testing below that mark.

Cut 14 (11) “…of the state”

On Thursday, the state reported the largest single-day drop in COVID hospitalizations in three months as the total falls to 1,087, down by 73, and marks the first time since July 9^th it has been below 1100.  Edwards says the state has come a long way since the peak hospitalization of 1600 in the last week of July.

Cut 15 (11) “…we currently do” 

With colleges now open across the state, Edwards says it is vital to be transparent and as timely as possible with the accurate reporting of COVID data.

Cut 16 (06) “…by those institutions.” 

_________________________________________________

Saints Safety Malcom Jenkins is trying to win his third Super Bowl ring as he begins his second stint with the Black and Gold. New Orleans drafted Jenkins in 2009 and he won a Super Bowl to cap off his rookie season. He also won a Super Bowl in Philadelphia in 2017. Jenkins says there’s enough talent on this Saints team to win the Lombardi Trophy

cut 17  (21) “…and grow” 

The chemistry of the Saints was challenged in the offseason when Quarterback Drew Brees said he could never agree with anyone who did not stand for the national anthem. Brees later apologized for those comments and Jenkins, who originally said he was hurt by Brees’ comments, says his discussions with Brees brought the team closer

Cut 18  (15) “…no exception”   

____________________________________________________

After watching the Big 10 and PAC 12 suspend football to the fall, LSU safety Jacoby Stevens is cherishing the opportunity to play. Stevens credits Shelly Mullenix, LSU’s Health and Wellness Coordinator for putting a plan in place so the Tigers can take the field next month…

cut 19 (15) “…their system”  

Stevens says he’s been impressed with rookie tight end Arik Gilbert, who was the nation’s number one tight end coming out of high school

cut 20 (20) “  at you”  

American Airlines will suspend flights to 15 smaller US cities starting October 7^th. Matt Doyle spoke with the Lake Charles Regional Airport Director about their inclusion on the list…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

Two tropical depressions should have the attention of residents along the Gulf Coast. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________

American Airlines is suspending flights out of Lake Charles from October 7^th through November 3^rd.

American says it the first step in an evaluation of their network, but Lake Charles Regional Airport Director Heath Allen says it’s surprising considering how strongly they’ve bounced back.

Cut 3 (11)  “…percent”  

American has also canceled flights to 14 other smaller US cities through the same period.

Allen says their data indicates they had been filling American flights out of Lake Charles at 70 percent, which is a healthy number right now.

Cut 4 (09)“ …the fall.” 

American received ten billion dollars in federal stimulus funds on the condition that flights and their workforce were maintained. That requirement ends September 30^th. American reported losses of more than two billion in the last quarter.

Allen says thankfully they still have United providing flights to Dallas, but the loss of access to the American network will be difficult to recover from.

Cut 5 (05)  “…away”

_________________

Eight SEC teams have announced their plans for fans at football games this season, with all of them having capacities somewhere between 20 and 25 percent. Governor Edwards expects we will know the situation at Tiger Stadium in the next ten days…

Cut 6 (09) “…26th”

LSU opens the season in Baton Rouge on September 26^th against Mississippi State.

Edwards says the capacity limits won’t just be based on how safely you can space people out in the stadium, but how safely you can move people around the stadium.

Cut 7 (12) “…the game.”

Face coverings will also be mandatory at all SEC games.

Edwards says he is also waiting on plans from ULM, UL Lafayette, and La Tech as well as LSU. He’s confident their proposals will be adequate.

Cut 8 (08) “look like.”

______________________________

All eyes are on the tropics as two tropical depressions are expected to form into named storms today.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says the closest system to Louisiana is tropical depression 14 and is currently getting organized in the Western Caribbean.

Cut 9 (13) “…cone of uncertainty.”

The storm is expected to peak at tropical storm strength.

Keim says the tropical depression 13 is also gaining steam but is about 750 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands in the Atlantic.

Cut 10 (10) “…as a hurricane.”

Keim says both storms are likely to impact the US and Louisiana could be a landing spot for either or both.

Cut 11 (10) “…both of them.”

A tropical wave coming off of Africa is a third area of concern.

________________

The Louisiana Treasury Department announces they returned a record 63-million dollars in unclaimed property for the fiscal year that ended June 30th. State Treasurer John Schroder says the previous record was 52-million dollars, which was set during the previous fiscal year

Cut 12 (11) “…keeps climbing”

Each year millions of dollars in unclaimed cash, such as payroll checks, royalties, and life insurance proceeds are turned over to the State Treasurer’s Office. Schroder says this past year his office returned more than two million dollars to a family in New Orleans and he has another great example

Cut 13 (08) “…$268,000 too” 

Schroder says he’s pleased to set a new record during a pandemic

Cut 14 (10) “…better timing”

About one in four Louisiana students lack access to the internet according to a new report. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_____________________________________

Governor Edwards announces nursing homes will be receiving fast-results tests that should allow more visitation in the next few weeks. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

___________________________________________

A court showdown over a proposed fall election plan is getting more likely after a House Committee approves a plan that Governor Edwards has called woefully inadequate. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

______________________________

A new report estimates about a quarter of Louisiana students do not have access to the internet to participate in virtual classes.  Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says the findings are deeply concerning, adding that in her district, it’s about 46% who are without internet.

Cut 4 (09)“ …it move forward.” 

Additionally, 42% of students are without high-speed broadband access that would allow for multiple users in a home to do virtual learning.

Among the ways school districts have attempted to patch the lack of internet access is through the distribution of Wi-Fi hotspots that work off of cellular data.  Mizell says the hotspots puts the state in a much better position than it was at the beginning of the pandemic, but it’s not a reliable long-term solution…

Cut 5 (07)  “…solution?  Absolutely not.”

Mizell says the lack of rural broadband has a much wider impact that stretches beyond virtual education.

Cut 6 (13) “…have no broadband.”

______________________________

Governor Edwards expects in a few weeks it will be a lot easier to see your loved ones in nursing homes once new, fast-acting testing equipment is delivered.

Edwards says in the near future nursing homes will be able to more easily accept visitors thanks to the new equipment.

Cut 7 (08) “…visitation.”

Nursing homes have been mostly locked down to non-staff and medical personnel since the pandemic began.

Edwards says the process has already begun, but he doesn’t have an exact date on when your local nursing home will have the capability to conduct these tests.

Cut 8 (11) “…weeks”

Edwards says he understands the strain this has placed on nursing home residents and their family but until the testing equipment is available…

Cut 9 (10) “circumstance”

____________________

Governor John Bel Edwards signs an executive order that sets the state’s goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 28% by 2025, 50% by 2030, and achieve net-zero by 2050. Policy director for Audubon Louisiana Brent Newman says it’s a historic moment

Cut 10 (10) “…the executive order.”

He says the plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is a doable feat and a new Climate Initiatives Task Force will lead the way.

Cut 11 (10) “…own unique strategy.”

Without action, experts estimate Louisiana could lose as much as 4,000 square miles of coastal land over the next 50 years, based on the rates of sea-level rise, which is indirectly influenced by rates of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Newman says it will be important to get industry on board.

Cut 12 (11) “…of the solution.”

___________________________

Louisiana’s guidelines for the fall election are appearing more likely to have to be settled in court after a House committee passes a plan Governor Edwards vows to reject.

Barry Ivey was the lone Republican to vote against the plan Wednesday in committee. He warns if the Governor and Legislature can’t agree it could lead to messy litigation.

Cut 13 (13) “is now” 

Under the plan submitted by the Secretary of State and approved 8-6 by House and Governmental Affairs, 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 says that makes no consideration for those susceptible to the virus, or those ordered to quarantine.

Ivey says instead of sending the issue to court the Legislature needs to cease advancing the Secretary of State’s plan and negotiate a deal with the Governor, or the end result is inevitable.

Cut 14 (04) “…to me”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s plan needs approval by the House, Senate, and Governor to be put into place.

Ardoin says his proposal probably isn’t the best plan, but it was the only one that could pass the Legislature. Ivey says it fails the basic legal requirement to provide a safe voting environment.

Cut 15 (12) “…the law”

The issue will next be taken up Thursday in a Senate committee. There are only 75 days until the November 3^rd Presidential Election.

__________________________________________________

Myles Brennan finally gets his chance to lead LSU’s offense. Brennan has been with the Tigers since 2017. Since that time there’s been a new head coach, three different offensive coordinators and now COVID-19. But Brennan says having Steve Ensminger, a former LSU quarterback, as his offensive coordinator is reassuring

Cut 16 (19) “ really nice” 

Brennan stands at six-foot-four, 220 pounds as he enters his junior season. The Mississippi native says he’s added 45 pounds since his freshman season.

In today’s college football, many quarterbacks look to transfer if they don’t play right away, but Brennan says he knew he would eventually get his chance with the purple and gold

cut 17  (25) “…that position” 

Brennan becomes one of the leaders of the team since he’s taking over as starting quarterback. He says it’s a role he gladly accepts

Cut 18  (25) “…whole time”   

Governor Edwards addresses spread mitigation concerns related to students heading back to school. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin went before the House Governmental Affairs Committee today and defended his fall election plan that the Governor says he will reject because it doesn’t go far enough. Matt Doyle has more.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

The reopening of schools and colleges is expected to further complicate managing the spread of COVID-19. Governor Edwards says the Louisiana Department of Health is working closely with the Department of Education on monitoring the coronavirus by creating a COVID-19 reporting system.

Cut 3 (12)  “…districts and principles.”  

Edwards says the schools are not the only reporting entities that are important in the spread mitigation efforts and encourages parents to monitor children for symptoms.

Cut 4 (10)“ …is absolutely false.” 

Edwards says his message to college students is clear and asks them to be careful in how they celebrate the new school year. Edwards encourages them to take into consideration spread mitigation efforts that may or may not be happening at a gathering and really think it over if it isn’t safe.

Cut 5 (07)  “…to be safe.”

_________________

Two former LSU students told USA Today that former Tigers running back Derrius Guice raped them in 2016 when the Baton Rouge native was a freshman. LSU beat reporter Glen Guilbeau for the USA Today Network says the investigative story found that the women reported the allegations to multiple people at LSU, but…

Cut 6 (07) “…charges”

The story by Nancy Armour and Kenny Jacoby claim two coaches, an athletics administrator and nurse were told about the alleged assault. Guice’s attorney says the accusations are not true.

The Washington Football Team recently released Guice after he was arrested on domestic violence charges. Guilbeau says the USA Today reporters were working on this investigative piece before Guice was arrested…

Cut 7 (08) “…that happened.”

Guice was a second-round pick in 2018 by Washington. He’s only played in five games in the NFL because of injuries. But Guilbeau says Guice might not football play again

Cut 8 (09) “…that much longer.”

______________________

The Legislature is considering Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s election plan for the fall elections that Governor Edwards calls woefully inadequate. The proposal scales back the vote by mail options compared to what the state had for the summer elections. Ardoin on why this election plan is different…

Cut 9 (12) “…be it”

Under Ardoin’s plan, the only COVID-related reason for requesting an absentee ballot is that if you test positive for the virus during early voting or before Election Day.

Edwards says the proposal does not allow people who have to quarantine to receive a mail-in a ballot or make any consideration for individuals who are susceptible to the virus.

Bogalusa Representative Malinda White believes Ardoin should have worked  with Governor Edwards on an election plan that protects public health.

Cut 10 (08) “…court”

White noted that the Secretary of State did not report any instances of fraud stemming from the mail-in ballot policies of the summer elections. Ardoin says only two percent of absentee ballots cast in the July election were from voters who used COVID-19 as a reason.

Ardoin says he’s been pressured by both sides to change the plan implemented in the summer, and he feels this is a compromise.

Cut 11 (13) “…i do?.”

White questions whether Ardoin wants a plan that has consensus support.

Cut 12 (13) “….finished”

Ardoin says he’s not changing his election plan and Governor Edwards doesn’t support it, so Louisiana’s election guidelines for this public health emergency could be decided by the courts.

__________________

Total jobs lost in the first half of this year are nearly double the number the state saw after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. That’s according to U-L Lafayette Economist Gary Wagner, who says the total number of jobs has dropped by more than 10-percent in 2020.

Cut 13 (11) “…significant number” 

On a positive note, Wagner says he does expect to see job growth in the second half of 2020, but not enough to offset the job losses for the first half of the year.

Cut 14 (06) “…half of the year”

Louisiana’s economy has seen one of the sharpest drops in the nation, only Michigan, New York, Nevada, and Hawaii have seen larger economic downturns. As for a return to a pre-COVID-economy in Louisiana, Wagner has a prediction.

Cut 15 (06) “if not later” 

Today and tomorrow, lawmakers will discuss Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s plan for the November Presidential election and December run-offs. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_____________________________________

The new round of federally enhanced unemployment checks are expected to go out next week but 87,000 unemployed Louisianans will not be eligible. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

Small businesses that received previous federal aid can now receive funds through the Louisiana Main Street Recovery Program. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”  

______________________________

The House Governmental Affairs Committee meets today to discuss Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s plan for the November Presidential election and December run-offs. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Sam Jenkins of Shreveport says he does not like that the plan has greater restrictions on who can vote by mail from what was allowed during the summer elections.

Cut 4 (08)“ ..the present stage.” 

The only COVID-related reason for requesting an absentee ballot for the November and December elections is that if you test positive for the virus during early voting or before Election Day.

Governor Edwards says he will reject Ardoin’s plan as he calls it woefully inadequate. Edwards says it does not expand mail-in balloting options for individuals who have to quarantine or those who are vulnerable to the disease.

Jenkins also does not like that Ardoin’s plan calls for ten days of early voting, when there were 13 days fo early voting for the summer elections.

Cut 5 (09)  “…should be going.”

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt, chairwoman of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, does not see any issues with Ardoin’s proposal.  Hewitt says elderly voters, who are the most susceptible to poor health outcomes from COVID, have always been allowed to request an absentee ballot.

Cut 6 (11) “…voting in person.”

Louisiana already allows people 65 or older to use mail-in voting. People who are hospitalized can also request an absentee ballot.

Hewitt says constituents have told her they felt safe with the way in-person summer elections were handled and says the current plan would account for spread mitigation efforts that would encourage more in-person voting.

Cut 7 (08) “…vote in person.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will consider the proposal on Thursday.

______________________________

The slogan for the Democratic Party virtual National Convention is “Build Back Better.” Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Stephen Handwerk says it’s a roadmap to a better economic system.

Cut 8 (11) “…right now.”

The Louisiana GOP says the Biden-Harris ticket is too left-wing to be allowed to win. Handwerk says they’ are pitching the two this week as moderates, not progressives.

Cut 9 (10) “not”

Former President Bill Clinton was the headline speaker last night. Former President Barack Obama will headline tonight. The nominee and former VP Joe Biden will speak Thursday night.

The party has passed its 2020 policy platform, including stronger language affirming a woman’s right to access an abortion. Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards chose not to sign the platform for that reason

Cut 10 (06) “…Democrat”

__________________________

In a reversal, the Trump Administration is now excluding 87,000 of the state’s 450,000 unemployment recipients from the upcoming round of 300-dollar federally enhanced weekly benefits.

Governor Edwards says each recipient must now receive at least 100 dollars in weekly unemployment from the state to qualify.

Cut 11 (06) “…right now”

Last week Edwards told reporters that the Labor Department had ruled that as long as the state averaged over 100 dollars of weekly benefits per recipient everyone would qualify.

Edwards wants it to be known that this was not the state’s decision to exclude those 87,000.

Cut 12 (08) “now.”

The Governor expects the first of those federally enhanced benefit checks will be sent sometime next week.

Cut 13 (10) “…certain.” 

The benefits are being funded by FEMA emergency response dollars and are expected to last six weeks at most.

______________________________________________

All qualifying small businesses can now receive grant money from the Main Street Recovery Program. State Treasurer John Schroder says there has been some confusion about the grant program which can provide up to $15,000 in reimbursement for COVID-19 related losses.

Cut 14 (09) “…are true.”

The Legislature set aside $275 million from the CARES Act for the Louisiana Main Street Recovery Program and small businesses that had not received previous funding were prioritized. That restriction was lifted this week.

Schroder says small businesses can apply for a Quick Relief grant of up to $5,000 or an Itemized Cost Reimbursement grant of up to $15,000.

Cut 15 (11) “…any back.”

Schroder says while the grants are being distributed on a first come first serve basis, he expects to receive enough applications by the end of the week that would distribute approximately half of the $275 million.

Cut 16 (09) “ our hotline” 

For more information go to  www.louisianamainstreet.com

______________________________________________

LSU football Coach Ed Orgeron says a couple of his players tested positive for COVID-19 when the team began preseason camp on Monday. Orgeron says the infected players must isolate at least 10 days after a positive test before they can return. Orgeron credits LSU’s director of wellness, Shelly Mullenix, for putting a solid COVID-19 mitigation plan in place

cut 17  (16) “…proper care” 

Orgeron says he’s confident they’ll play this season and he says it’s the right thing to do. He’s also excited to see the students back on campus

Cut 18  (20) “…play football”   

Orgeron says the Tigers are prepared as the offense and defense have been installed. He says during quarantine he spent many nights alone at the LSU football operations in disbelief with what was going on…

cut 19 (20) “…for sure”  

The FDA approves a new saliva test for COVID-19 developed by Yale researchers known as SalivaDirect that is being called a testing innovation game-changer. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says Progressive and Louisiana Farm Bureau plan to reduce their auto insurance rates by two and eight-percent respectively. Jeff Palermo has more…

cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two tropical waves in the Atlantic, both of them have a good chance at developing into named storms over the next five days. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s not a surprise the tropics are getting active

Cut 3 (09)  “there”  

Keim says it remains to be seen if these systems get in the Gulf of Mexico, but conditions are ripe for them to become a real threat.

Cut 4 (10)“ .right now” 

There’s Invest 97 in the eastern Caribbean, which has a medium chance to develop into a named storm over the next five days. Invest 98 is farther away from land and expected to develop first and could become Tropical Storm Laura. Keim says we’ve never had an L named storm this early in the season.

Cut 5 (09)  “season”

_________________

A new saliva test for COVID-19, known as SalivaDirect, gets the thumbs up from the FDA.  LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease expert Dr. Catherine O’Neal says this test differs from other saliva tests because not only is it a quick and easy collection, but they can skip the extraction step saving time and money.

Cut 6 (10) “…in the country.”

Unlike the nasal swab tests where a swab is inserted deeply into the nose, the saliva test would be less invasive and only require someone to spit into a collection tube.

The test was developed by researchers at Yale.  O’Neal says this test will also cut down on wait times to get a result.

Cut 7 (05) “…matter of hours.”

SalivaDirect is considered a testing innovation game-changer by reducing demand on the supply chain of scarce testing resources.

O’Neal sees value in using the tests for communal living settings.

Cut 8 (13) “…for the hospital.”

Yale Researchers say they expect labs will only charge about $10 per sample with this test.

______________________

A federal judge in New Orleans rejects a request by ten southeast Louisiana bar owners to stop the statewide order closing bars.

Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this is what he expected out of the federal court because the standard of review for public health orders is highly deferential to local authorities.

Cut 9 (12) “…constitution”

The bar owners argued that shutting down bars violated equal protection under the constitution and that they did not receive due process.

State officials presented data showing the closure of bars in Louisiana helped slow the spread of coronavirus. Ciolino says that’s all Judge Martin Feldman needed.

Cut 10 (12) “…them”

It’s another in a string of losses for those challenging things like the mask mandate or bar closures in court. Ciolino says…

Cut 11 (09) “…courthouse.”

A similar case is being decided in a Lafayette US District Court. It is not currently known when Judge Robert Summerhays will make a ruling.

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says Louisiana Farm Bureau and Progressive will reduce their auto insurance rates by eight and two percent respectively. Donelon says both companies have been dropping lowering their premiums

Cut 12 (15) “….on previous”

Donelon says State Farm has also reduced its rates over the last two years by 24-percent. He says State Farm, Progressive, and Farm Bureau cover over 50-percent of the private passenger auto insurance market in Louisiana. He expects other insurance providers to reduce rates as well…

Cut 13 (05) “…will respond” 

Donelon says a factor that has led to lower premiums is fewer accidents on the road…

Cut 14 (11) “…two years ago”

It may take a few years for Louisiana drivers to see lower auto insurance rates as a result of the tort reform legislation approved this summer. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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LSU Health New Orleans is participating in a clinical trial on the use of lab-created monoclonal antibodies in the battle against the coronavirus. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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 DeSoto and Red River Parish officials who shared now-debunked claims that the Department of Health was reporting COVID case counts with duplicate numbers are blasted for not showing up to a hearing where they were ordered to explain themselves. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana head Jeff Albright says it may take a few years for the full impact of tort reform passed in the Legislature to be felt via lower auto insurance rates.

Albright says the law takes effect in 2021…

Cut 4 (10)“ …improvement.” 

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon predicted that the new tort law would lower rates by up to 25 percent.

Albright says Louisiana drivers make twice as many injury claims as the national average despite not have twice as many wrecks…

Cut 5 (05)  “important.”

Louisiana has the 2^nd highest rates in the nation and is expected to rise to number one next year. Albright says that is because Michigan, who is 1^st, passed tort reform legislation several years ago that is now taking effect.

Albright also says 45 percent of Louisiana drivers carry the minimum limit 15,000 dollars of insurance, which is why the law lowers the jury trial threshold to 10,000 dollars.

Cut 6 (07) “…jury”

The previous threshold was 50,000 dollars.

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LSU Health New Orleans is participating in a clinical trial on the use of lab-created monoclonal antibodies in the battle against the coronavirus.  Pulmonary critical care specialist Dr. Bennett deBoisblanc says the hope is that the monoclonal antibody would prevent viral attachment to cells.

Cut 7 (06) “…to reproduce itself.”

The trial is being done with the National Institutes of Health to evaluate the safety and effectiveness as a potential new treatment.

deBoisblanc says instead of waiting on a COVID patient to produce their own antibodies, they hope to administer the lab-grown version to help fight off a worsening condition.

Cut 8 (08) “…a rapid rate.”

Patients hospitalized with mild or moderate COVID-19 with fewer than 13 days of symptoms bay volunteer to participate.

deBoisblanc says if these trials are not fruitful, there are other treatments to help and more research on the horizon.

Cut 9 (08) “…the months ahead.”

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The Louisiana Family Forum backs a request by Senator John Kennedy that Louisiana places of worship be deemed essential and have their capacity restrictions lifted.

President Gene Mills says religious leaders can be trusted to maintain a safe environment for worshipers without current capacity limitations.

Cut 10 (07) “…community”

Churches are restricted to 50 percent capacity during Phase Two.

Mills says lifting the current restrictions would help get more people back in their pre-COVID habit of going to church.

Cut 11 (12) “…away”

Mills says he’d like to see the capacity restriction lifted, but noted Louisiana’s religious haven’t suffered as much as those in some other places…

Cut 12 (10) “faith.”

Mills says a legislative effort to include houses of worship in the essential institutions list is being crafted.

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Legislators slam DeSoto and Red River Parish officials for not showing up to a hearing about claims made by those parishes that the Department of Health was reporting duplicate COVID case counts.

Legislative Audit Advisory Councilmembers blasted the officials for making claims that were later debunked by the Legislative Auditor. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivy…

Cut 13 (13) “…member.” 

Both the DeSoto parish Sheriff and the Red River Department of Homeland Security made the claims on Facebook posts.

LDH says there is evidence lists of infected people’s names in those areas had been disseminated as part of the effort to attack the department’s COVID case reporting. Ivey called that a clear HIPPA violation.

Cut 14 (05) “…violation.”

The Legislative Auditor’s report indicates the two parishes’ misinterpreted the data they were being sent, and that the LDH dashboard of COVID case numbers is accurate to within 1-2 percent.

Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau called the parishes’ actions unacceptable and says their refusal to attend cannot happen again.

Cut 15 (08) “…security.”

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The Saints have started practicing in pads as the season opener against Tampa Bay is less than three weeks away. New Orleans reported for training camp in late July, but used the last three weeks getting ready for physical contact. Quarterback Drew Brees believes they used the ramp-up time well

Cut 16 (21) “ more film” 

Before the season, Brees went to Colorado to work out with newly acquired wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. Brees says he likes how Sanders prepares himself for the season

cut 17  (19) “…great skill set” 

Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan is entering his 10th season in the NFL and is coming off a season in which he tallied a career-high 15.5 sacks. Jordan on how he can be an even better player this season…

Cut 18  (19) “…great place”   

An infectious disease expert says Louisiana just isn’t ready for fall high school contact sports, and LSU fans may get to be in Tiger Stadium this fall…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s plan for the November 3rd election would limit the ability for someone to request a mail-in ballot compared to the criteria for the summer elections. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Our Lady of the Lake infectious disease expert Dr. Catherine O’Neal says it is not safe to have fall contact high school sports right now but says she is optimistic about college athletics.

O’Neal says before K-12 contact sports can resume the state needs to prove it can reopen schools without having to shut communities down due to outbreaks.

Cut 3 (09)  “…safely”  

High school football is set to resume October 8^th, but the LHSAA says the state will have to be in Phase Three.

Governor Edwards says the state is hovering around ten percent positivity on COVID test results. O’Neal says we’d need to be at half that rate.

Cut 4 (11)“ ..classroom” 

O’Neal says some areas, such as New Orleans, are nearing that five percent mark but regions like Acadiana and Baton Rouge are a good bit above ten percent.

O’Neal says unlike high school sports, college sports have the resources and lower numbers to proceed. LSU Interim President Thomas Galligan feels that we may even be able to have fans in Tiger Stadium.

Cut 5 (11)  “inside”

Galligan did caution that occupancy limits of 30-50 percent are being considered for LSU football games and fans without a game ticket will be discouraged from coming on campus to tailgate…

Cut 6 (06) “…campus”

Both O’Neal and Galligan made the comments this morning on Talk Louisiana.

___________________

In the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, UL Lafayette, ULM, McNeese, Northwestern, Southeastern all start back to class today.   UL System President Jim Henderson says he feels comfortable they have put the best-informed plans together, adding that faculty and staff are doing their best to execute those plans.

Cut 7 (08) “…that we have.”

Henderson says the learning environment has the best possible spread mitigation efforts in place, but the focus is still put on informing students of the risks involved with social behaviors.

Cut 8 (06) “…that age population.”

Nicholls and Grambling started last week.  Henderson says the initial outlook on class and campus operations seems promising.

Cut 9 (11) “…is your responsibility. ”

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Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin proposed plan for the November 3^rd Presidential election and December run-off scales-back eligibility for requesting an absentee ballot compared to the July and August elections. Ardoin says the plan has been tailored to work in Phase Two compared to the stay at home order.

Cut 10 (11) “…to move forward”

The plan would also increase the state’s early voting period to ten days versus seven and add an extra hour and a half to each day.

The only COVID-related reason for requesting an absentee ballot would be testing positive for the virus during or after early voting but before election day.  Ardoin says the observations in July indicate only a small portion of the participation was COVID absentee voters.

Cut 11 (10) “…same in November.”

Ardoin says the emergency plan still faces some hurdles as it has to be approved by lawmakers and receive the signature of the Governor.

Cut 12 (10) “…in the past.”

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A 14-year-old girl from St. Mary Parish died over the weekend in a jet ski accident in Lower St. Martin Parish. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Ed Pratt says a 17-year-old allowed the victim and another 15-year-old girl to operate separate jet skis

Cut 13 (06) “…one another” 

Pratt says Hannah Landry of Franklin was airlifted to Prevost Memorial Hospital in Ascension Parish with severe injuries…

Cut 14 (08) “…in Donaldsonville”

The second victim was treated at the scene for her minor injuries. State law says you must be at least 16-years-old to operate a jet ski. Pratt says possible charges are pending against the 17-year-old who allowed the girls to operate the jet skis…

Cut 15 (11) “any charges” 

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is reaching out to auto insurers who are not doing business in the state to let them know about recent changes to the state’s civil litigation rules in car crash cases.  Kevin Barnhart has more

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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This week the state Revenue Department will mail thousands of letters to frontline workers who had problems with their tax rebate applications. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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A few weeks from now Louisiana will begin borrowing money from the feds to float the state unemployment insurance program. Brooke Thorington has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is reaching out to auto insurance companies who are not currently offering coverage in Louisiana to let them know the state has made changes to its civil litigation system for car crashes. LABI President Stephen Waguespack says they have sent out more than 1,100 letters.

Cut 4 (07)“ …rates go down.” 

Waguespack says there are so few choices for commercial auto insurers in Louisiana, that it will only take a handful of companies to start writing new business to see major changes in rates.

Cut 5 (10)  “is no competition.”

Waguespack says the tort reform legislation approved in the special session has made the state’s judicial system more transparent and fair.

Cut 6 (10) “…your services here.”

The Louisiana House Democratic Caucus says the tort reform legislation approve in June will not lead to lower rates.

______________________________

The Louisiana Revenue Department says 69-thousand checks worth 250-dollars a piece have been sent to essential workers who had to work during the governor’s stay at home order. Secretary Kimberly Robinson says 240-thousand people have applied for the tax rebate since July 15^th

Cut 7 (14) “…testing”

Home health and healthcare workers are the second biggest category after grocery store workers.

This week the state Revenue Department will mail thousands of letters to people who applied for the 250-dollar hazard pay check, but there was a problem with their application, or submitted disqualifying information.

Cut 8 (09) “information.”

208 applications have been filed on behalf of frontline workers who are ineligible because they are deceased.

They’ve also had some problems verifying workers’ information…

Cut 9 (10) “…name”

17-million in payments have gone out and the program still has 23-million available dollars, so the state is still accepting applications at frontlineworkers.la.gov

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Louisiana will need to begin borrowing money from the feds to fund our unemployment insurance program as of September 7^th. Louisiana Workforce Commission Director Ava Dejoie says even if the state runs out of money in the trust fund, the state is constitutionally mandated to keep paying benefits, so…

Cut 10 (07) “…benefits.”

Dejoie says over 20 states are already borrowing money from the feds to fund their unemployment programs.

Dejoie warned that there will be penalties for the state unemployment trust fund running dry, and we do have to pay the borrowed money back.

Cut 11 (10) “…funds”

Louisiana’s unemployment trust fund was rated as the 17^th strongest in the nation before the pandemic struck, but Dejoie says it has been hammered by the pandemic economy.

Cut 12 (11) “million.”

454,000 beneficiaries are currently receiving unemployment insurance payments from the state. All 454,000 will be eligible to receive the new 300 dollar federally enhanced unemployment assistance.

_______________________

Based on the latest data, the number of new COVID-19 cases is on the decline after the state experienced a second surge in new cases in July. So why did Louisiana experience a second surge? State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says some of those that tested negative in the spring may have relaxed on their spread mitigation efforts

Cut 13 (12) “…keep our distance.” 

Guidry says the virus has also been teaching the public and science professionals along the way that it does not behave like a normal virus.  The summer climate did not act as a mitigate factor as restrictions began to lift.

Cut 14 (11) “…viruses normally behave.”

Guidry says the science community did everything they possible could to convince people to take mitigation efforts seriously, but a lack of public cooperation has set the state back.

Cut 15 (12) “…this virus spread.”

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The Pelicans are searching for a new head coach after the team decided to move on from Alvin Gentry after five seasons and just one postseason appearance. Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin says he’ll take his time in finding Gentry’s replacement…

Cut 16 (20) “then on” 

The Pelicans job should an attractive one. The roster features a potential superstar in Zion Williamson, an all-star in Brandon Ingram and one of the better two-way guards in the league in Jrue Holiday. Griffin knows he has a big decision in front of him…

cut 17  (21) “…everyone” 

Host of the Locked on Pelicans podcast, Jake Madison, says a former head coach in Cleveland will likely get an interview…

Cut 18  (20) “…Milwaukee Bucks”   

Madison says Griffin will also look to make some changes with the roster during the offseason…

cut 19 (11) “…next year”