Governor Edwards unloaded on the 65 House lawmakers who signed a petition Friday ordering him to end the pandemic public health emergency declaration. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “   I’m Matt Doyle”

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DOTD cuts the ribbon on the I-10 widening from Highland Road in Baton Rouge to Interstate 73 in Ascension Parish Parish today. Brooke Thorington has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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A Pennington Biomedical Research survey shows pandemic lockdowns reduced mental health and increased weight gain around the world. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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Governor John Bel Edwards passionately rebuked House Republicans for signing a legislative petition Friday ordering him to end all pandemic public health orders.

Edwards says the 65 Republicans who signed the petition have their heads buried in the sand and refuse to acknowledge that the pandemic is still raging, killing 5,631 people in Louisiana

Cut 4 (07) “seriously”

The petition also orders the Governor not to issue any additional public health emergency declarations for a week. Edwards never-the-less renewed Phase Three for another 30 days telling state residents that the restrictions are still in place.

Edwards appears set to challenge the petition in court…

Cut 5 (14) “…die”

Attorney General Jeff Landry believes the petition is constitutional and told House Republicans he would defend it in court.

Edwards repeated his warning that canceling the emergency would lead to a significant loss of federal emergency funding obtained through the Stafford Act…

Cut 6 (08) “funding”

He also listed a number of other ways it would cripple the state’s pandemic response from blocking state agencies from coordinating with local governments to provide PPE to removing the National Guard’s ability to conduct local testing.

Crowley Republican Representative John Stefanski argued the seven-day ban on COVID restrictions is reasonable and could demonstrate the state is ready to advance past Phase Three…

Cut 7 (09) “as well”

Stefanski says signing the petition was the only option left for lawmakers. He says the Governor rejected all compromise efforts to make the Legislature a partner in COVID policy.

Cut 8 (08) “…on that”

Senate President Page Cortez weighed in on why a similar petition was not circulated in the Upper Chamber. He said Senators were concerned that there wasn’t enough data to back up revoking the emergency and that the petition also prevents the Governor from reissuing orders should we have another spike in cases.

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Construction has officially finished on the 72 million dollar widening of Interstate Ten from Baton Rouge to Ascension Parish. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says it’s a major relief for folks living in the fast-growing region… 

Cut 9 (09) “time”

The project stretches 6.5 miles from Highland Road in Baton Rouge to LA 73 in Ascension Parish and included new bridges above Highland Road and at Bayou Manchac.  

Wilson says this is a big deal for anyone driving in or out of New Orleans and will shave an estimated 15 minutes off the standard commute through the region.  

Cut 10 (10) “…compensate”

The project took two years to complete and was the fasted design-build project in the history of the department.  

Wilson says while it’s not the biggest or most expensive project in recent history it will make life better for the roughly 100,000 drivers who travel through this corridor every day.  

Cut 11 (08) “that way”

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A Pennington Biomedical Research Center survey in April shows similar behaviors worldwide during the stay at home orders. Co-Head Researcher Dr. Emily Flannagan says they evaluated behavioral changes such as diet, physical activity, mental health, and sleep. Flannagan says respondents with increased anxiety noted a shift in sleep patterns.

Cut 12 (11) “numbers locally.”.

Flannagan says the survey indicated 25-percent of respondents indicated weight gain despite a similar increase of home-cooked meals.

Cut 13 (11) “snacking behaviors.”

The survey also showed a decrease in physical activity and an increase in sedentary lifestyles.

Flannagan says as the pandemic continues healthcare providers should monitor their patient’s behavioral changes either in person or virtually.

Cut 14 (11) “…time goes on”

More than 12-thousand participated in the study from more than 50 countries. The majority were from the US, with half from Louisiana.

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The Saints won their 15th straight game in the month of October as they held off Carolina 27-24 to improve to 4-2. Quarterback Drew Brees was efficient as he threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a rushing touchdown. Brees’ second TD pass came at the end of the first half to give New Orleans a 21-17 halftime lead

Cut 15 (08) “..the game”

The Saints were without their top two receivers as Michael Thomas missed another game due to injuries and Emmanuel was out after testing positive for COVID. But Marquez Callaway stepped up and caught eight passes, so did Alvin Kamara and Kamara added 83 rushing yards. Brees says they are finding different ways to win…

cut 16 (12) “do that”

Carolina Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater played in his return to New Orleans as he threw for 254 yards and two touchdowns. He led Carolina on a potential game tying drive in the fourth quarter, but Marcus Davenport sacked him which led to a 65-yard field goal. Coach Sean Payton knows kicker Joey Slye has a strong leg…

cut 17 (12)   good win”

The Saints are 4-2, a half game back of Tampa Bay who beat the Raiders on Sunday. New Orleans is at Chicago next Sunday. The Bears visit the L-A Rams tonight.

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It was an impressive debut for freshman quarterback TJ Finley as he threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns and also ran for a score in a 52-24 win over South Carolina. Finley says he was well prepared heading into his first collegiate start…

cut 18 (25) ” very quick” 

The LSU running game complimented Finley as the Tigers rushed for 265 yards. Running back John Emery was impressed with Finley’s demeanor…

cut 19 (19) “so calm”‘

The defense gave up a few big plays, but showed improvement since the loss to Missouri. And Trey Palmer returned a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. Finley believes the win can turn their season around…

cut 20 (24) “together today”

NBA Hall of Famer and LSU Icon Shaquille O’Neal has to update his resume as he has a new job with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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Governor Edwards is mulling over a potential veto of legislation that would allow lawmakers to eliminate certain pandemic health restrictions. Matt Doyle has more

cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has to update his resume, as he’s now a Special Reserve Deputy with the St Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Shaq dropped by the office while the boss was away at training and now Sheriff Becket Breaux is having to adjust his budget.

Cut 3 (12)  “…get it covered”  

Breaux has been good friends with the 7-foot-1 basketball icon and broadcaster, and their relationship inspired him to asked Shaq to join the team.

Cut 4 (10)   “…great team.”   

Breaux says despite Shaq’s busy schedule, he will be active with the department, helping to train and mentor staff via ZOOM. But Breaux will have to update a patrol unit for his newest hire.

Cut 5 (09) “a complaint”

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The Senate Judiciary Committee rejects a House approved bill that would bar the state from penalizing churches and church-goers for gathering for in-person services against state orders during an emergency.

The hearing led to an animated exchange between Shreveport Senator Gregory Tarver and the bill’s author Oil City Representative Danny McCormick.

Cut 6 (09) “has happened”

The legislation was inspired by the arrest of Central Pastor Tony Spell for holding services against the ban on in-person religious gatherings. The bill would have also retroactively cleared his charges and other religious leaders who were penalized. His case is currently pending.

Tarver argued the ban did not violate constitutional protections on religious liberty because it allowed for virtual services. McCormick says virtual services are not the same…

Cut 7 (11) “…would you”

Tarver and McCormick made their final arguments as the bill failed on a 3-2 vote.

Cut 8 (12) “is”

The legislation cleared the House on a 66-24 vote, but it’s now dead for the session.

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Republican lawmakers await Governor Edwards’ decision on a potential veto of legislation they passed that would allow the Legislature to overturn parts of a public health emergency.

Edwards says he plans to talk to the bill’s author and legislative leaders, but he already has a blanket policy about efforts to undermine his emergency authority…

Cut 9 (08) “approval”

If signed the legislation would allow, on a majority vote of the House and Senate, for specific public health restrictions to be eliminated while maintaining the rest of the emergency declaration.

Edwards says he will not surrender any authority to people whose approach he finds “totally unreasonable.”

Cut 10 (09) “…place”

Edwards says he needs every tool available to make sure that more people don’t die from this virus than is necessary.

Cut 11 (08) “…Louisiana.”

Should Edwards veto this legislation, the House could have a majority of its members sign a petition that would end the public health emergency, triggering a likely court battle.

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Constitutional Amendment Four on the November 3rd ballot asks voters if the state should create a new state budget spending limit. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says the state already has a spending limit..

Cut 12 (04) “ …expenditures are” 

Scott says opponents say the amendment will not ensure a more efficient government, but supporters say it will stabilize the state’s budget, which saw large deficits during Edwards’ first term in office…

Cut 13 (09) “…long-term”

An LSU fraternity is under investigation for an alleged hazing incident and East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore says it’s reminiscent of Max Gruver in 2017. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (31) “  I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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A bill is headed to the Governor’s desk that if signed would allow lawmakers to strike down certain pandemic public health restrictions. Matt Doyle covered the bill’s testy final vote on the House floor…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The Saints will be allowed to play in front of fans after the team reached an agreement with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.  Beginning this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, 3,000 fans will be allowed inside the Superdome. Coach Sean Payton is glad the two sides worked out a resolution

Cut 3 (07)  “…schedule”  

The phased plan will begin with 3,000 fans this Sunday, before increasing to 6,000 fans for the November games and as much as 15,000 fans for games in December.  Payton says this is a great way to gradually allow fans back into the Dome.

Cut 4 (07)   “…there”   

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LSU Police are investigating an alleged hazing incident involving Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity after a student was hospitalized with alcohol intoxication. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says the incident is hauntingly familiar to the Max Gruver in 2017 case but this time witnesses are cooperating.

Cut 5 (14) “…its gone”

Moore plans to meet with LSU Police tomorrow and discuss evidence and details they have obtained from witnesses so far concerning the alleged hazing incident.

Cut 6 (11) “some time”

LSU Greek life was in the national spotlight following the death of freshman pledge Max Gruver for alcohol poisoning. That case sparked legislation enforcing harsher penalties and holding social organizations responsible for such incidents.

Cut 7 (10) “…they respond”

Phi Kappa Psi has been suspended from chapter activities amid the ongoing criminal investigation.

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The House and Senate agree on legislation allowing lawmakers to strike down specific public health restrictions without overturning the Governor’s entire public health order.

Erath Representative Blake Miguez says his constituents demanded action on loosening pandemic health restrictions and this bill gives lawmakers a tool to do that.

Cut 8 (09) “..people”

The bill is headed to the Governor and if signed would allow certain limitations like stadium capacity to be struck down while maintaining orders like mask mandates. The Governor has previously indicated he would veto efforts to undercut his public health authority.

The Democratic Caucus voted against the bill. Laplace Representative Randal Gaines says striking at the Governor’s ability to manage the pandemic endangers public health.

Cut 9 (09) “crisis”

Under the bill, the Governor would still be allowed to issue an emergency order but 30 days later when it came time for a renewal a majority vote in the House and Senate could remove certain parts of it, or overturn the entire order.

Miguez disagrees with critics who say limiting the Governor’s authority is dangerous…

Cut 10 (09) “….response”

The bill only won 54 votes, had 30 nays, and 21 lawmakers abstained. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey called the legislation a mess that lawmakers were given no time to read before the vote was held…

Cut 11 (05) “…this.”

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It doesn’t sound like LSU quarterback Myles Brennan will play in Saturday night’s home game against South Carolina. Coach Ed Orgeron says his starting Q-B continues to slowly recover from an injury

Cut 12 (06) “ .very questionable” 

If Brennan can’t play, LSU will start a true freshman at quarterback, either T-J Finley or Max Johnson. Orgeron has confidence in both guys

Cut 13 (07) “…will play”

Orgeron says a decision on who will start will be made later this week.

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An early-morning crash involving a school bus in Terrebonne Parish claims the life of a Schriever man. LSP Trooper Thomas Gossen says the head-on crash happened shortly after 6:30 when the driver of a truck crossed the center line on Highway 56.

Cut 14 (11) “… at the scene”

Gossen says the driver of the truck, Troy Lyons was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Cut 15 (12) “not survive” 

Air Force C-130 planes begin spraying today at 6 PM in parishes impacted by Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Taylor Sharp spoke with GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele about the spraying process…

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Taylor Sharp”  

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The House and Senate are at an impasse over legislation stripping the Governor of his public health authority with only a week left until the special session ends. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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U-S Air Force C-130 planes will begin spraying for mosquitos in parishes impacted by Hurricanes Laura and Delta.  Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says FEMA approved the use of the planes because of the booming mosquito population

Cut 3 (07)  “…area”  

Steele says the spraying will be conducted from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the next six days over Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, and Vermilion parishes.

Cut 4 (11)   “…effective”   

Why is it important to spray these areas now?  Steele says that the rainfall from the two hurricanes could be a hot spot for mosquitoes.

Cut 5 (11) “…now”

FEMA approved this plan late last week.

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One man is dead and three others suffered gunshot wounds after an alleged robbery Monday night near LSU’s campus. Baton Rouge Police Sgt Don Coppola says three individuals tried to rob the home but someone inside shot at them after they entered killing 20-year old Marcus Hayes Jr.

Cut 6 (12) “with Hayes”

Police say two of the six robbery victims sustained non-life-threatening gunshot injuries.

Coppola says they received a call shortly after 11 pm. According to the investigation, two individuals from the home were speaking with two suspects outside, they then all entered the home.

Cut 7 (10) “…robbery suspects”

Coppola says a juvenile suspect was also shot and found later on Charles Street and taken to a local hospital. Police say four people were shot during the incident, one of them died and three others were wounded.

Cut 8 (10) “…gunshot injuries”

Authorities say the cause of the shooting, which occurred on West McKinley Street, is unknown and remains under investigation.

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell met with Saints officials Monday to discuss the return of fans to the Superdome. The Mayor’s spokesperson Beau Tidwell calls the meeting productive and the Mayor is interested in a phased and gradual opening of the Dome to fans

Cut 9 (09) “not backwards”

Tidwell says talks with the Saints are ongoing and they discussed what the Saints are seeking regarding fans in the stands.

Cut 10 (09) “…..us regress”

The Saints next home game is this Sunday against Carolina. Tidwell did not provide specifics on a proposed date of when the Dome would reopen.

Cut 11 (12) “…that will.”

The Saints have also spoken with LSU about playing in Tiger Stadium.

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There’s only a week left in the special session and lawmakers are deadlocked on questions of whether the Governor’s public health authority should be restricted.

LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says there’s a stalemate at the Capitol over the question and it’s not just between the Governor and Republicans…

Cut 12 (07) “ .viewpoints” 

The House has passed a series of bills that would immediately end all or some COVID public health restrictions, while the Senate backs a bill allowing for more legislative oversight in future public emergencies.

Alford says if a legislative agreement can’t be made before the session ends October 27^th we could see the House take unprecedented action…

Cut 13 (09) “…orders”

That petition has been in circulation since the summer but failed to get majority support in either chamber after concerns were raised it would result in the loss of a substantial amount of federal funding.

Democrats are calling for the session to end early, noting the 40,000 dollar a day cost. Alford says it’s unlikely they get their wish…

Cut 14 (13) “…vetoes”

More than a quarter-million Louisianans have early voted in the Presidential election so far, about 90,000 more early votes than we had two days into the 2016 election. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

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LSU starting quarterback Myles Brennan is questionable for Saturday’s home game against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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A Mangham Police Officer is recovering after he was shot during a traffic stop on Saturday night. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 27-year-old Hermandus Semien of Ville Platte shot the officer after stealing a vehicle and robbing a pharmacy in Rayville earlier in the day

Cut 3 (07)  “…Franklin Parish”  

Authorities say Semien abandoned the stolen vehicle near Fort Necessity and was taken into custody a short time later near Fort Necessity.  Semien faces several charges including attempted first-degree murder of a police officer. Reichardt says the officer will survive after getting shot in the stomach…

Cut 4 (05)   “…thank goodness”   

The officer has been identified as Marshall Waters. Reichardt says Waters pulled over Semien’s vehicle because he was speeding…

Cut 5 (08) “…Franklin Parish”

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Louisiana has seen record numbers of early voting turnout so far for the Presidential Election.

JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says anecdotes of voters waiting in long lines to cast an early ballot are strongly supported by the data.

Cut 6 (10) “voted”

Early voting is available at select locations throughout the state and runs through October 27^th. Polls are open from 8 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday.

Couvillon also notes Louisiana is following a national trend in that Democrats appear to be fired up and are early voting in disproportionately higher numbers than Republicans.

Cut 7 (10) “…night”

53 percent of Louisiana’s first-day early voters were Democrats. Statewide Democrats make up 40 percent of the electorate.

Couvillon estimates as much as 40 percent of the vote could be cast before Election Day and overall we could see sky-high participation.

Cut 8 (07) “…year”

Couvillon says more than 100,000 people have already voted by mail, three times the volume we saw four years ago.

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Because minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 researchers are looking at how they learn about the pandemic. Auburn University has received a National Science Foundation grant to study a variety of demographics in Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. Research leader Dr. Kelly Dunning says people of all income ranges will be interviewed.

Cut 9 (10) “they’ve responded”

Dunning says their research will also include populations that speak foreign languages.

Cut 10 (12) “…..view messages”

The study will compare how different populations receive their information, via print, television, radio, or social media and which format they trust.

Cut 11 (12) “…of information.”

The year-long study will interview 5,000 people and they hope to publish preliminary results next Spring.

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LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says Tigers starting quarterback Myles Brennan is questionable for Saturday’s home game against South Carolina. Orgeron says Brennan has a significant injury to his lower body, an injury that dates back to their loss at Missouri on October 10th

Cut 12 (09) “ ….this game” 

If Brennan is not healthy to play on Saturday, the Tigers will have to start a true freshman at quarterback, either Pontchatoula’s TJ Finley or Max Johnson from Georgia. Orgeron says both quarterbacks have the talent to play in the NFL…

Cut 13 (08) “…gonna start”

Orgeron says if Brennan can not play on Saturday, he’ll make a decision on who will start after Thursday’s practice. He says starting as a true freshman quarterback is not easy, but Finley and Johnson know what’s expected from them

Cut 14 (09) “…the offense”

Amendment One on the statewide ballot declares there is no right to or funding of an Abortion to be added to the state constitution. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “   I’m Brooke Thorington”

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It’s a stressful time to be alive and Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter has a message for anyone who is struggling to deal with the pressure…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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If you’ve had COVID but have now recovered studies indicate you might not be immune from getting it again. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Amendment One on the general election ballot, declaring there is no right to/or funding of an Abortion, allows the issue to go before the people. Should Roe v Wade be overturned, Louisiana’s Constitution has no language specifically addressing abortion. Public Affairs Research Council head Robert Travis Scott explains.

Cut 4 (10) “…of abortions”

Lawmakers approved Amendment One in 2019 to be added on the ballot. Scott says proponents of the Amendment want to eliminate any loopholes that would allow women the choice to terminate their pregnancy.

Cut 5 (13) “…process section”

Amendment One has no exceptions for cases involving rape, incest, or the mother’s risk of death. Scott says until Roe V Wade is overturned, Amendment 1, does not change anything immediately, however…

Cut 6 (06) “…some effect.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health wants you to roll up your sleeve and get your annual flu shot, especially this year, to reduce the strain on the healthcare system due to COVID-19. LDH flu expert Dr. Frank Welch says they are offering free flu shot clinics at locations around the state but this year the process is different.

Cut 7 (09) “a flu shot”

Welch expects a COVID-19 vaccination will be available to the public in the next four months and hosting a drive-up clinic for the flu is a test run.

Cut 8 (10) “…in the future.”

Welch says last year in Louisiana there were over 15-thousand hospitalizations for the flu alone.

Cut 9 (06) “those hsopitals”

Daily drive-up flu clinics are available this week in Bunkie, Jena, Colfax, Leesville, and Winnfield. They continue until November 20^th. For a list of locations go to LDH’s website. Participants are asked to bring their insurance cards and there is no charge for the flu shot.

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Stress levels are high in Louisiana as we’re seven months into a pandemic, recovering from two hurricanes, and in the middle of a heated election. Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter has a message for everyone out there struggling to cope with the pressure…

Cut 10 (10) “…abnormal.”

Kanter says  there are free resources available to Louisiana residents who need help. He says if you’re feeling stressed call the 24-hour Keep Calm Hotline.

Cut 11 (12) “somewhere”

The number is 1-800-310-7977. You can also text a helpline. To get in touch text reach out to 741-741.

Kanter says even if you don’t feel you need the help this information could be vital for someone you know who is going through a hard time.

Cut 12 (06) “before”.

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Studies show it looks like you can catch COVID-19 again after you’ve already been infected and recovered, but the chances of it happening are low. LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Clinical Medicine Dr. Najy Masri says there are two possibilities on why some people may come down with the virus more than once.

Cut 13 (07) “issue.”

Masri says he’s treated a nurse that got infected, tested positive, got sick, recovered, tested negative, and then seven weeks later came back with symptoms and tested positive again.

Masri says while it is possible it doesn’t very common considering there are few documented examples and now 40 plus million cases worldwide. That being said if you get it once, don’t act like you’re invulnerable…

Cut 14 (10) “…exists”

Masri says the reality of reinfection will have an impact on vaccine development. One possibility is that you’ll need a booster shot, and the other possibility is…

Cut 15 (07) “…shot”

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Louisiana Tech suffered its first conference loss on Saturday as Marshall defeated the Bulldogs 35-17 at Joe Aillet Stadium. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz is proud of the way the defense competed, but their woes are on offense…

cut 16 (20) “end zone”

Tech was just 1-of-10 on third down opportunities and had just seven rushing yards on 24 carries. Holtz says that’s two straight poor performances on offense…

cut 17 (24)     move forward “

Tech’s defense also struggled getting off they field as Marshall converted 13 of 16 third down opportunities. Senior linebacker Trey Baldwin…

cut 18 (18) ” back on the field” 

LSU Student Body President Stone Cox sent a letter to Interim President Thomas Galligan, suggesting monthly COVID-19 testing for all students in order to move into Phase Three.

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Taylor Sharp”  

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Voters wrapped around the State Archives Building for the first day of early voting. Matt Doyle spoke with a few of them as they waited in the chilly weather.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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LSU Student Body President Stone Cox has sent a letter to University Interim President Thomas Galligan suggesting that all students participate in mandatory monthly Covid-19 testing in order to move the school into phase 3.  Cox says that moving into phase 3 would be a big step in the right direction.

Cut 3 (13)  “…Now”   

What exactly would be allowed on campus if LSU moved into phase three? Cox says student-led organizations would find it beneficial

Cut 4 (12)   “…events”   

Some students may be concerned about testing positive and having to quarantine but Cox says having larger events may be an incentive for students to get tested.

Cut 5 (11) “…people”

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Campaign finance reports indicate U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has raised as much money in the last quarter as his main Democratic challenger, Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins. But overall, Cassidy’s war chest is much larger.  UL-Lafayette Poli-Sci Professor Pierson Cross says the numbers indicate Perkins is appealing to both state and national democrats.

Cut 6 (09) “uphill slope”

Cassidy raised $1.4 million July 1^st through Sept 30^th increasing his total to $10.67 million. Perkins raised $1.33 in the same period, after announcing his candidacy July 23^rd.

Cross says if Perkins can force Cassidy into a run-off, it greatly increases his chances of more campaign contributions.

Cut 7 (09) “…national recognition”

Perkins reports having 680-thousand dollars on hand, Cross says that’s not enough to make an impact.

Cut 8 (12) “…second-term”

Cassidy reported having $4.57 million on hand as of September 30^th, greatly outspending his opponents.

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It’s the first day of early voting and a long, socially distanced line wrapped around the State Archives Building in Baton Rouge as voters braved the chilly weather to cast Louisiana’s first votes in the November 3^rd election. A frequent early voter says when she first saw the long line she turned around but decided to come back…

Cut 9 (11) “do it”

Interest is high in the Presidential election and these voters say they’re eager to cast their ballot despite the wait and some of the pandemic hassle.

Cut 10 (06) “…..do”

Despite the wait, this voter says showing up to cast a ballot is certainly worth it.

Cut 11 (02) “…election”

Early voting ends October 27th and is available at select locations Monday through Saturdays from 8 AM to 7 PM.

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State legislators have approved a supplemental budget bill that contains 22-million dollars for 113 projects that some say is old-school pork-barrel legislation. HB 39 contains funding for lighthouse improvements in Madisonville, construction of a sports complex in Central, and other small-ticket items. Public Affairs Research Council head Robert Travis Scott says it’s disappointing…

Cut 12 (10) “…governments”

Other items included $500,000 for the Louisiana Leadership Institute, $639,000 for fire hydrants in Assumption Parish, and $500,000 for Opelousas parks.

Scott says the bill didn’t receive a public hearing and most lawmakers only had minutes to review it after it was presented on the House and Senate floor.

Cut 13 (12) “…projects”

The bill passed the Senate unanimously and cleared the House on a near-unanimous vote despite some concerns that lawmakers had no idea what was in the legislation. House Appropriations Chair Jerome Zeringue says those criticisms are not accurate and the bill funds crucial services.

Cut 14 (11) “…parishes”

Zeringue also highlighted the bill sends millions of dollars in funding to various entities to help them pay for their COVID response, and three million dollars to help address public defenders’ current budget woes.

Governor Edwards says he’ll take a look at the appropriations bill before signing it and he could use his line-item veto pen. Zeringue countered…

Cut 15 (08) “state”