Small businesses in Louisiana that have not received any federal relief funds for COVID-19 expenses can begin applying for grants later this month. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

_____________________________________

State health experts warn people not to buy into a pop theory calling for people to purposefully get themselves infected with COVID-19 to create “herd immunity”. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

With the national spotlight on policing, 18 private law firms have teamed up with the ACLU of Louisiana in a litigation campaign to challenge discriminatory practices. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

_______________________________________________

State Treasurer John Schroder announces that small businesses can begin applying for $275-million dollars’ worth of grants to supplement losses from COVD-19 towards the end of the month. Eligible businesses can receive up 15-thousand dollars. Schroder says his office will begin accepting applications on July 28^th.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…Federal aid.”

Of the state’s 450-thousand small businesses, approximately 15 percent have received federal funding. Schroder says businesses that have not received any federal funds receive priority for the first 21 days. Then other small businesses will be considered.

Cut 5 (10)  “…prequalification”

Schroder says the funding is on a first come first serve bases and small businesses need to apply at la.treasury.gov. An outside vendor will approve applications.

Cut 6 (10) “…and approve”

Schroder anticipates checks will be mailed within 10 days of approval.

________________________

State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry calls a pop theory advocating for the purposeful COVID infection of people under the guise of creating herd immunity a “myth”.

Guidry says the theory has no evidence to back it up and ignores just how volatile viruses can be.

Cut 7 (11) “…fire”

To obtain herd immunity a population would need 60 percent immunity. Even in New York City, the worst single epicenter in the country, herd immunity is believed to be under 20 percent.

Guidry says the theory is also based on a faulty assumption that if you can’t get infected more than once.

Cut 8 (10) “…had it.”

Yesterday’s spike in cases was the third-highest on record and nearly ten percent of all tests done are showing up positive. Guidry says this is no time for risky behavior.

Cut 9 (06) “…serious”

__________________________________

Eighteen private law firms have teamed up with the ACLU of Louisiana in a litigation campaign to challenge discriminatory policing practices. Legal Director of the ACLU of Louisiana Nora Ahmed says they are trying to capture cases that were not economical to be taken to court.

Cut 10 (11) “…stories as well.”

The initiative is called “Justice Lab: Putting Racist Policing on Trial” and over time it seeks to bring up to 1000 cases in Louisiana challenging the constitutionality of the situations. Law firms will be handling cases on a pro bono basis. Ahmed hopes to form a blueprint for litigation that could be used across the nation.

Cut 11 (09) “…implicate racial profiling.”

Ahmed says they are partnering with law school legal clinics around the country who are in a position to take on these appeals in an effort to continue the development of law pertaining to excessive force and racial profiling but also challenge qualified immunity.

Cut 12 (07) “…the first place.”

____________________________

To help keep students engaged in the learning process over the summer, the Louisiana Department of Education will partner with LPB and offer televised math instruction. Director of Math Science STEM, Jill Cowart says the instructional programming is designed for all students in kindergarten through ninth grade.

Cut 13 (10) “…the screen” 

Cowart says when schools closed early due to the pandemic they were forced to create at-home learning resources available online. Through the partnership with LPB, more families will now have access to resources beginning July 6^th with a focus on keeping students engaged.

Cut 14 (11) “…the math”

The instructional broadcasts will be available on Louisiana’s three public television channels which can be accessed via antenna, cable or satellite service. They will also be available via on-demand.

Cut 15 (08) “…themselves”

Lessons will run through July 31^st.

On the last day of the special session, the Legislature passes a tort reform bill that supporters say will lower auto insurance rates. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

The Louisiana National Guard will honor first responders and frontline healthcare workers by performing flyovers over hospitals today.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________________________

On the final day of the special session, the Legislature approves a 34 billion dollar budget. Matt Doyle has the Governor’s reaction…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________________

Civil lawsuit reform legislation is headed to the Governor’s desk that supporters say may lower auto insurance rates.

The bill was passed on veto-proof lines but is less expansive than previous tort legislation that was shot down by the Governor. Crowley Representative John Stefanski calls it an important step forward…

Cut 4 (11)_ “…rates.”

The bill passed with a few hours left in the special session.

The bill sets the jury trial threshold at 10,000 dollars, limits when insurance company’s names can be mentioned in court, removes a ban on mentioning a crash victim’s seatbelt status, and make other adjustments to collateral source.

Baton Rouge Representative C. Denise Marcelle asked the question on everyone’s mind…

Cut 5 (07)  “…insurance”

But ultimately voted for it alongside a number of other Democrats who had previously opposed tort measures.

Evangeline Parish Senator Heather Cloud celebrated the bill’s passage, saying it would help fix the ongoing crisis in commercial auto insurance markets.

Cut 6 (09) “…the books”

Governor Edwards applauded this version of the bill, which was a compromise between earlier GOP efforts and the Governor’s past preferred policy.

________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy says he expects another federal stimulus package to be passed sometime in late July.

Cassidy aims to have CARES 4.0 focused on covering the estimated 500 billion dollars of lost revenue for local governments nationwide. He says the cancellation of spring south Louisiana festivals has already left a mark, and…

Cut 7 (10) “…festival.”

The 500 billion dollars includes funds already lost, and estimated losses moving into 2021.

Cassidy says Senators are evaluating whether they will maintain federal unemployment assistance set to expire July 31st but feels it won’t be necessary if economies can reopen.

Cut 8 (11) “…assistance.”

When asked how big the next stimulus might be, Cassidy expressed concern that about 50 percent of the money allocated for COVID recovery hasn’t even been spent yet.

Cut 9 (07) “…resources”

__________________________________

The Louisiana National Guard will be performing more hospital flyovers today honoring first responders and frontline healthcare workers.  Louisiana’s Army aviation commander Col. John Plunkett says two teams of four Black Hawk helicopters will lift off around 11 am, one from Hammond, the other from Pineville.

Cut 10 (09) “…very easily seen.”

Several months ago, flyovers were performed, but they didn’t hit every hospital in the state. Plunkett says the routing of these flights should hit Slidell, Hammond, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Shreveport, and Monroe.

Cut 11 (09) “…will see us.”

Plunkett says the battle against COVID-19 will be a long one and compares what healthcare workers are going through to that of an overseas deployment.

Cut 12 (08) “…short term sacrifice.”

____________________________

The Legislature approves a 34 billion dollar operating budget for the fiscal year that starts today, one that looks fairly similar to the on Governor Edwards proposed. Despite the influx of hundreds of millions of dollars in CARES Act money, Edwards warns there will still have to be some cuts due to COVID-related revenue shortfalls.

Cut 13 (11) “amounts” 

The Legislature also approved a series of tax breaks for COVID-impacted businesses. Edwards says he has his concerns with passing tax breaks at a time when revenue is already suffering.

Cut 14 (09) “…go back”

Proponents of the tax breaks say they are necessary to save businesses on the brink right now financially.

Edwards also bemoaned the Legislature’s decision to pause a scheduled pay raise for state employees that would have cost about 60 million dollars.

Cut 15 (09) “…available”

Legislators expressed concern about the “optics” of passing a state pay raise while so many private-sector employees were out of work.

Jefferson Parish will join Orleans in requiring people to put on a mask before entering a business. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

Louisiana reports an additional one-thousand new coronavirus cases on Tuesday as hospitalizations and deaths also continue to rise. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng will require everyone inside a business, customers, and employees, to wear a mask as COVID-19 numbers continue to rise. Sheng says her proclamation takes effect Wednesday and she believes it’s the only way the parish will be able to move into Phase Three.

Cut 3 (08) ”…indoors  

Sheng says those who violate this order, could be fined up to 500-dollars. She’s requiring workers at businesses to wear face masks while in all common areas…

Cut 4 (12)_ “…mask off”

In New Orleans, Mayor Latoya Cantrell says she’s serious about mask-wearing and is not afraid to shut a business down who is in non-compliance

Cut 5 (09)  “…unfortunately”

_____________________________________________________

According to the state health department, only 59% of those who tested positive from COVID-19 since mid-May have responded to phone calls from contact tracers and only one-third are answering calls within the crucial first 24 hours after the test results.  State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry…

Cut 6 (07) “…not having it.”

Louisiana’s contact tracing efforts are facing some major hurdles in its work to combat the spread of COVID-19 including unanswered calls, privacy concerns, and distrust from elected officials.

Contact tracers call those who have tested positive, then call those that the individual has come into close contact with over the last two weeks.  The process is confidential.  Guidry says there has been an uptick in the number of people paying attention to the advice of health officials with the recent upswing in cases.

Cut 7 (08) “…are going back up.”

Governor Edwards says there is a great appreciation for those that answer the phone and comply with contact tracers but he’s pressing for more cooperation.

Cut 8 (05) “…thing to do.”

_________________________________________________

Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart announces a grand jury has returned an indictment against eight Shreveport police officers for allegedly using excessive force against two men who were apprehended on January 24th. Stewart says each officer is facing one count of malfeasance in office

Cut 9 (08) “…about the case.”

A written report from Stewart’s office says dash camera video from a Caddo Parish Sheriff’s deputy vehicle shows the eight Shreveport police officers physically striking two individuals at the end of a police chase. Stewart says the eight men charged were booked and released on bond…

Cut 10 (11) “…those cases.”

The D-A’s report says the men who were beaten by Shreveport officers suffered injuries, including a broken nose and broken orbital plate. The charges against them, which included drug charges and resisting arrest have been dropped.

_________________________________________________________

The state reported one-thousand new cases today as the state’s total case number surpassed 58-thousand. Assistant State Health Officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says COVID hospitalizations are at their highest level since May 28th….

Cut 11 (10) “…going up as well.”

The number of COVID patients hospitalized is 781 and the number of patients on ventilators is up to 83. Kanter says 90-percent of the new cases is the result of community spread

Cut 12 (10) “…in spread”

Governor John Bel Edwards’ next COVID-19 press briefing is tomorrow. Edwards has said he’s looking for more compliance from businesses. Kanter says the governor would rather see everyone do more when it comes to spread mitigation efforts, than returning the state to Phase one coronavirus restrictions…

Cut 13 (10) “…our reopening” 

The special session ends at 6 PM today and lawmakers are still scrambling to pass a tort reform bill aimed at lowering auto insurance rates. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

With a current balance of less than $500 million, the Louisiana Workforce Commission indicates the state’s unemployment trust fund is on course to run dry in about 14 weeks. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________________________

The US Supreme Court overturns a 2014 Louisiana law requiring abortion clinics to have admitting privileges. Matt Doyle has reaction from a local advocate and a Congressman…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________________

The special session ends at 6 PM today and a number of tort reform bills aimed at lowering auto insurance rates are still working their way through the process. LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says there are two bills making real traction, one by the House Speaker, and the other by a Mandeville freshman.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…right now.”

House Speaker Clay Shexnayder’s bill, which is less expansive than legislation vetoed by Governor Edwards, is in conference committee.

Alford says one of the most interesting new developments is a bill by Mandeville freshman Representative Richard Nelson that includes traditional items like a lower jury trial threshold, but also…

Cut 5 (05)  “…rates”

Democrats in the Senate have rejected most proposed tort bills, but they have shown support for Nelson’s bill.

Alford says today is the conclusion of a battle between the Governor and legislative Republicans over lawsuit reform that’s taken up a lot of oxygen dating back to the regular session.

Cut 6 (05) “…right now.”
________________________

The Louisiana Workforce Commission reports over half of the money in the state’s unemployment trust fund has been spent during the coronavirus pandemic.   LWC Executive Director Ava Dejoie says there is growing concern the fund, which was at one time just one billion dollars, will run dry within 14 weeks

Cut 7 (05) “…state unemployment benefits.”

From March 22^nd through June 26^th, Dejoie says the state has paid out $3.5 billion in unemployment benefits, with most of that being federal dollars from the CARES Act.

Cut 8 (12) “…is what’s left.”

Currently, most unemployed workers are receiving $247 weekly from state funds and $600 weekly from the CARES Act funding, but those federal dollars are set to expire at the end of July.

If the fund goes empty, out of work residents would still receive unemployment. Dejoie says several states have already run out of unemployment money and if it happens to Louisiana, the state will borrow money from the feds like the other states.

Cut 9 (09) “…not an option.”

__________________________________

A new report from the CDC indicates pregnant women are more likely to experience symptoms or even be hospitalized after contracting COVID-19.  LSU Health New Orleans Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology assistant professor Dr. Rebekah Gee says pregnant women are no more likely to die from the virus.

Cut 10 (09) “…are not pregnant.”

The study looked at 325,000 women ages 15 to 44 who had tested positive for COVID-19 and of those, 8,200 were pregnant.  The death rate was .2% in both pregnant and nonpregnant women.

Gee says pregnant women are 5.4 times more likely to be hospitalized and nearly twice as likely to be put on a ventilator, adding to the importance of spread mitigation efforts.

Cut 11 (10) “…be more careful.”

A 29-year-old pregnant woman in Baton Rouge died of COVID-19 last week, but doctors were able to deliver her child that was not due until October.

Gee says expecting mothers should talk to their healthcare providers about best practices and rely on others when possible to avoid exposure.

Cut 12 (12) “…don’t go out.”

____________________________

Louisiana abortion clinics will not have to have admitting privileges after the US Supreme Court strikes down a state law passed in 2014

Congressman Mike Johnson, who served as co-counsel for the state when the law was argued before a federal judge, says the law was designed to protect women from unsafe abortion procedures.

Cut 13 (09) “Louisiana” 

But Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom Executive Committee member Katrina Rodgers says it’s obvious the law was an attempt to shutter abortion clinics.

Cut 14 (09) “…care”

If the law had been upheld two of the state’s three clinics would have closed due to not having the privileges. Opponents of the law say hospitals discriminate against abortion providers when it comes to admitting privileges.

Civil Rights attorney S.Mandisa Moore-O’Neal says the law ping-ponged around the courts for years before this decision. She says the ruling makes it clear requiring privileges is an undue burden.

Cut 15 (08) “…that”

Johnson says he fears this ruling will lead to legal challenges against other abortion regulations.

Cut 16 (09) “…regulations” 

The U-S Supreme Court rules against a Louisiana law requiring admitting privileges at nearby hospitals for abortion doctors. Jeff Palermo has reaction from both sides of the issue…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

____________________________

The state health department reported 845 new COVID-19 cases today as the state surpasses 57,000 cases.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________

The U-S Supreme Court has ruled against an abortion law passed in Louisiana requiring admitting privileges at a nearby hospital for abortion doctors. Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson authored the 2014 legislation and says the nation’s highest court struck down a law that would have protected the health of a pregnant woman

Cut 3 (10) ”…deeply saddened  

If the measure became law, it would have shut down two of the state’s three remaining abortion clinics. Associate Director for the Louisiana Right to Life Angie Thomas says Louisiana law requires admitting privileges for many doctors who perform outpatient surgeries, but not abortion providers…

Cut 4 (10)_ “…abortion industry.”

The decision was 5-4 against Louisiana’s law. The Supreme Court also struck down a similar law out of Texas in 2016. The Center for Reproductive Rights filed suit preventing Louisiana’s law from going into effect. C-P-R CEO Nancy Northup is delighted with today’s ruling…

Cut 5 (08)  “…against Texas”

The Hope Medical Group for Women in Shreveport and the Baton Rouge Delta Clinic would have closed if Louisiana’s admitting privileges law went into effect. Director of the Hope Medical Group Kathaleen Pittman says the closing of additional clinics would have been a hardship for low-income pregnant women…

Cut 6 (08) “…total despair”

_____________________________________________________

New Orleans Senator Troy Carter believes Louisiana should put some regulations into place for travelers coming into the state from Texas and other hotspots following an uptick in COVID-19 cases.  Carter says the state needs to take every necessary precaution.

Cut 7 (10) “…them at ours”

Texas and Florida had previously put regulations onto those coming into those states from Louisiana via roadways and air travel, doing screenings for COVID symptoms and requiring a 14-day quarantine.

Carter says Louisiana residents went through great pains to follow spread mitigation efforts during the stay at home order and feels the state should protect its borders from areas that did not and are seeing the result.

Cut 8 (12) “…our people were.”

Governor Edwards says the possibility of a border shutdown for hotspots is not off the table, but no one in public health has made the suggestion to do so at this point.

Cut 9 (11) “…were really doing.”

Texas has seen 17 consecutive days of new records in hospitalizations.

_________________________________________________

Health officials believe that recent demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd by police have not resulted in a significant addition of new COVID-19 cases. Assistant state health officer Dr. Joseph Kanter says enough time has passed to get a good idea of what has happened where protests were most prevalent.

Cut 10 (09) “…with New York.”

Kanter believes other layers of protection have likely factored into the protests to make them a bit safer.

Cut 11 (07) “…be wearing masks.”

Kanter says no matter what other mitigation efforts are taken, it is still always best to avoid large crowds.

Cut 12 (07) “…for their family.”

_________________________________________________________

The special session ends at six o’clock tomorrow night and lawmakers are debating several different tax break bills for businesses. Republicans say it will create jobs during a time of high unemployment for COVID-19. But New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson says individuals are struggling too

Cut 13 (11) “…helping people”   (2x)

Shreveport Senator Barry Milligan says COVID-19 has put several businesses on the brink of going out of business and they need the state’s help…

Cut 14 (12) “…our people”

Any tax breaks approved would result in less revenue and fewer dollars available for the state. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow believes the state should consider many of these tax breaks in a fall special session…

Cut 15 (12) “…a informed decisions” 

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says these businesses need help now and some of the proposals close to final legislative passage will provide incentives to businesses that increase their workforce…

Cut 16 (11) “ light bills” 

Governor Edwards plans to increase enforcement efforts on non-compliant businesses as coronavirus cases continue to surge. Kevin Barnhart has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

The UL System will take a 28 million dollar net hit to revenue this fiscal year, and is planning for a five percent total drop in revenue for the fiscal year starting July 1^st. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

Governor Edwards is demanding businesses comply with coronavirus restrictions as the state reported another 13-hundred cases today. Earlier this month, the governor loosened capacity restrictions on businesses and re-opened bars. The governor says that decision has not lead to a spike in cases…

Cut 3 (10) ”…it eventually stopped.”  

Businesses who have employees that come in contact with customers are required to wear masks. And Edwards says the public should be wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, and washing hands frequently.

Edwards has said since the pandemic started the state can not enforce its way to compliance, but he’s planning to take a more heavy-handed approach.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…these mandates.”

Edwards has paused the state’s re-opening, extending the Phase 2 guidelines for another 28 days as the number of hospitalizations has risen to 700. The governor says the state office of public health, A-T-C and state fire marshal deputies will conduct robust compliance checks when they get complaints…

Cut 5 (11)  “…a whole”

_________________________________________________

The UL System is anticipating a five percent loss of revenue by the end of the 2021 fiscal year. President Jim Henderson says they can absorb that kind of reduction and still supply a quality education, but if the COVID pandemic were to get any worse that may be difficult.

Cut 6 (07) “…about”

The worst-case scenario they’ve drawn up shows a 150 million dollar loss in revenue due to drastic declines in enrollment and the cancellation of sports.

Henderson says some of the loss is due to enrollment from students who are delaying entering college. He says they are being upfront about what expectations should be.

Cut 7 (08) “…2019”

For the current fiscal year ending June 30^th, the UL System is set to suffer a 28 million dollar net loss.

Henderson says the pitch for students uncertain of returning is still the same, a 14-percent annual rate of return on their degree from a U-L system school.

Cut 8 (08) “…investment”

_____________________________________________________

Blaine Kern, Sr., who was widely considered Mr. Mardi Gras, has died. He was 93.  Kern was the founder of Blaine Kern Artists, which designs, builds, and stages most of the region’s largest carnival parades. Mardi Gras expert Arthur Hardy remembers Kern as a key figure in the history of Mardi Gras.

Cut 9 (10) “…he improved it.”

Kernbuilt his first Mardi Gras float on the back on a mule-drawn wagon with his father in 1932 and is credited for turning Mardi Gras float building into a multi-million dollar business.  Hardy says Kern’s energy and creativity did not slow down in the later years of his life.

Cut 10 (10) “…just didn’t stop.”

Hardy says Kern had the ability to engage and captivate people.

Cut 11 (07) “…quite a promoter.”

_________________________________________________________

Louisiana is closing in on 55-thousand coronavirus cases after reporting 13-hundred new cases today. Assistant health secretary Alex Billioux says the vast majority in new cases is coming from community spread. He says more people are showing up to emergency room departments with COVID-19 symptoms

Cut 12 (12) “…epidemic”

Billioux says the percentage of tests that are positive is eight-percent, the federal goal is to keep it below 10-percent.

Cut 13 (09) “…increases there”  

91-percent of the cases are also tied to community spread rather than congregate settings like nursing homes. He says in order to stop the surge in cases, Louisiana residents should wear masks in the public and maintain social distancing…

Cut 14 (07) “…neighbors safe.”

Due to a planned power outage of the L-D-H’s office in New Orleans, the state will not update its coronavirus cases on Saturday.

___________________________________

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley unveils the guidelines schools will be operating under as students return in August. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

AAA indicates COVID-19 is impacting summer travel plans. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________________________

Louisiana’s first harvested batch of industrial hemp gets the green light to move forward with processing. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_______________________________________________

Newly minted State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley outlines COVID safety guidelines for the upcoming start of the school year, including the mandatory use of face coverings.

Brumley says enforcement will be up to each school district, and they’ll have to answer to the Louisiana Department of Health if there is non-compliance.

Cut 4 (10)_ “building”

Individuals with severe breathing difficulties do not have to wear a face covering, along with students in 2nd grade or below.

Students who get sick will be quarantined on campus until they can be removed and hand washing must take place every two hours. Brumley says student health will be closely monitored.

Cut 5 (09)  …check” 

If schools open under Phase Two contact sports and band will not be allowed, along with groups over 25 people, which appears to indicate sports practice may be off the table.

Brumley says if a student or teacher tests positive the Department of Health will consult with the district on whether the school needs to close. Brumley says that means…

Cut 6 (07) “closed”

Schools that are ordered closed may have to stay closed for three to five days.

________________________

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality warns residents with breathing issues to remain indoors as the Saharan Dust Cloud begins impacting New Orleans this afternoon.

LDEQ Air Planning and Assessment Administrator Jason Myers says the dust can exasperate existing respiratory conditions.

Cut 7 (07) “…inside.”

Wearing an N95 mask is recommended for those who have to go outside and have respiratory issues right now.

Myers says this might not be the best time to go work out outside even for those without conditions.

Cut 8 (10) “now.”

The dust hangs in the air and will add a haze to the sky, along with brightening up the sunset.

Cut 9 (07) “…sunset”

__________________________________

COVID-19 is impacting summer travel. The AAA travel forecast shows Americans will take 700 trips, down nearly 15% compared to last July through September. Driving sees the smallest decrease in travel volume, down 3.6% over the year. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says other transportation methods are taking a much worse hit.

Cut 10 (09) “…are the cruises.”

Cruise ship, rail, and bus travel are down by 86% over the year.

Regionally, 98% of travelers are choosing to drive and Redman adds they are choosing closer locations.

Cut 11 (06) “…at state parks.”

While summer gas prices haven’t been this low since 2016, Redman says it is not enough to spur travel.

Cut 12 (11) “…off the roads.”

Redman says the last time the AAA travel forecast showed a dip in over the year travel was 2009, following the 2008 recession.

____________________________

Louisiana’s first harvested batch of industrial hemp has been tested and is in compliance with rules for the crop.  State Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the crop received the green light after being tested to make sure THC concentration level is below the legal limit of .3%

Cut 13 (10) “…CBD from that.” 

Across the country, there has been widespread crop failure because of excessive amounts of THC, so having this first batch meet state and federal regulations is a victory for the state’s hemp industry.

Strain says next, the hemp will be dried, which can happen at the farm or the processing facility where it heads next.

Cut 14 (09) “…extract CBD products.”

Strain says in Louisiana there are over 100 people licensed as growers, processors, transporters, or seed sellers and producers and with the budding industry is a further exploration of additional utility for the crop.

Cut 15 (06) “…at other uses.”

_____________

The Senate Finance committee says state worker pay raises for next fiscal year should be put on hold. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

The state education department releases guidelines for schools to reopen with students in the classrooms. Jeff Palermo reports from third grade and on up masks will be required…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

Caddo Parish Coroner Doctor Todd Thoma determines a 63-year-old black man died of febrile delirium while in the custody of Shreveport first responders last April. Thoma says paramedics and police were called to Wavey Austin’s apartment because he was delusional and uncooperative, so he was handcuffed to conduct a medical evaluation…

Cut 3 (09) ”…it eventually stopped.”  

Thoma says there was no struggle with police or significant signs of trauma…

Cut 4 (08)_ “…or broken bones.”

Febrile delirium is an acute and transient confusional state with a high fever.  Austin was running a fever of 101.5 at the time of this death and was found to have an enlarged heart contributing to arrhythmia.

Thoma says first responders worked quickly to apply medical care to Austin.

Cut 5 (13)  “…a preventable death”

A group called 45 days of Action Shreveport seeks answers on why Austin and Tommie McGlothen died in police custody in April. Thoma ruled McGlothen died from excited delirium, but there is video showing officers hitting him.

_________________________________________________

When the Senate Finance Committee approved a budget for the next fiscal year Wednesday they put a pause on scheduled pay raises for state workers.

Baton Rouge Senator Bodi White says right now a public sector pay raise just wouldn’t look good.

Cut 6 (11) “…deal with”

The proposal heads to the Senate where it could be adjusted.

Evangeline Parish Senator Heather Cloud says the full scope of economic damage from the pandemic is not clear yet. Authorizing a raise could have serious ramifications.

Cut 7 (06) “…be here”

Opponents note the Legislature is also currently considering nearly a hundred million dollars in business tax breaks at the same time.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne notes that most of the workers who will be impacted don’t make a lot of money.

Cut 8 (09) “…workers”

The 60 million dollars in pay raises was set aside, and lawmakers say they will take a look at whether the state can afford the raises later this year.

_____________________________________________________

The state education department released a plan today on how public schools can reopen for the upcoming school year and do so without contributing to the spread of COVID-19. One of the guidelines calls for children in third grade and above to wear masks. Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter…

Cut 9 (08) “…face masks.”

Carter says students with a breathing condition could wear a face shield. The plan also calls for symptom monitoring of students when they arrive and throughout the day, including an initial temperature check. Carter says sick students need to be isolated quickly…

Cut 10 (05) “…recovery time.”

Also, the department of education is telling schools they should prepare to close for three to five days if the school environment is determined to be a source of ongoing COVID-19 spread. Carter hopes schools have a plan in place to do a deep clean

Cut 11 (08) “…any return.”

_________________________________________________________

Shreveport Republican Alan Seabaugh is once again pushing his petition to end Louisiana’s state of emergency because of COVID-19.  Seabaugh needs the support of 53 other lawmakers in the House and says the spread mitigation restrictions have been extended too long.

Cut 12 (11) “…to having 53.”

While it is unclear if Seabaugh has enough backing, Rosepine Republican Charles Owen is among those showing support for the measure and believes lawmakers need more input on the decision making of advancing the state in reopening.

Cut 13 (08) “…ahead of time.”  

Louisiana has seen over 53,000 COVID-19 cases and 3,000 fatalities.  Baton Rouge Democrat Denise Marcelle opposes the movement saying it is not a good idea…

Cut 14 (07) “…risk peoples’ lives.”

Marcelle applauds the Governor’s decision making and feels sacrificing human life is not worth it for a quicker economic bounce back.

Cut 15 (11) “…a business open.”