LRN PM Newscall

33% of pet owners say their pet has gained weight during the quarantine.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

____________________________

Ohio State and North Carolina have suspended their voluntary workouts because of positive COVID-19 cases, but LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says the virus is under control among his players. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

Through contact tracing, the state has identified the settings where they’ve seen the most coronavirus outbreaks. Bars lead the way with 36 outbreaks that’s produced at least 393 cases. Assistant health secretary, Doctor Alex Billioux, says the bar setting presents a lot of challenges to manage

Cut 3 (11)  “…other speak”  

The state has also identified eleven outbreaks at food processing plants and 16 outbreaks at industrial settings. The state health department also knows about 16 outbreaks at restaurants totaling 68 cases. Billioux says compliance checks are happening, but he’s unaware if any business has been cited

Cut 4 (10)_ “…is done”

Phase Two restrictions call for most businesses to have a maximum of half capacity. Billioux says if that’s not the case at a business you enter, then leave..

Cut 5 (12)  “…protect your family”
______________________

People aren’t the only ones packing on the pounds during the pandemic as 33% of pet owners say their pet has gained weight during quarantine, according to a study out of the state of Washington.  LSU Vet School Assistant Professor of Community Practice Nancy Welborn says pets are receiving extra TLC from their owners.

Cut 6 (10) “…of how often.”

Welborn says the same issues that weight gain can cause in people can show up in animals as well.

Cut 7 (07) “…things like that.”

Welborn recommends knowing the appropriate daily caloric intake for your pet and taking a quarter portion of that in kibble and feed it to them throughout the day.

Cut 8 (06) “…makes them happy.”

_______________________

The surge in demand for COVID testing is leading to long delays on results for many, sometimes as long as a week or more.

Governor Edwards says early in the pandemic the problem was getting enough test kits. These days they’ve got the kits, but not the reagents to test samples collected at testing sites.

Cut 9 (10) “…receiving”

Edwards says he’s been told about testing delays of longer than ten days in some cases and assured residents everyone is doing what they can to speed up the process.

Cut 10 (12) “…than that.”

Edwards says the long wait for tests could also be impacting spread mitigation efforts by keeping people who should be self-quarantining out in the public.

Cut 11 (09) “quarantining”

Edwards reiterated the fact that if you think you’ve been exposed you need to self-quarantine and remain in quarantine even if you get results back that show you are negative.

_________________________________________________________

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says coronavirus cases involving his players are under control as his team goes through voluntary workouts. At one time LSU reportedly had at least 30 players in quarantine, but in an interview on WWL Radio, Orgeron said that was inaccurate

Cut 12 (10) “…control”

The initial outbreak in cases when players first reported to campus was tied to a cluster of cases from a group of bars just off campus. Orgeron says his players have been told to stay away from the nightclubs…

Cut 13 (07) “…go no more” 

As cases continue to climb in several states, the concern grows that the college football season will be delayed, shortened or possibly moved to the spring. Orgeron says his players will be ready for any scenario

Cut 14 (09) “…go play”

 

 

AM Newscall 07/09/2020

A recent poll shows post-pandemic snacking is on the rise for Americans and that’s leading to people packing on the pounds. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is now fifth in the nation in per capita COVID-19 cases and over one-thousand people are in the hospital battling the virus. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

___________________________________________

Louisiana’s craft beer industry is branching out into the hard seltzer business. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

______________________________

A OnePoll survey of Americans finds two-thirds of people admit to gaining weight since the pandemic began with most saying its due to snacking.

LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Public Health Melinda Sothern says that’s not surprising because there’s a lot of scientific literature explaining why we’re snacking more often now.

Cut 4 (08)_“…for you”

69 percent of respondents said the increased snacking was due to boredom.

Sothern says this is a really bad time to be packing on the extra pounds as COVID tends to be worse in people who are overweight.

Cut 5 (09)  “…inflammation”

20 percent of Louisiana COVID fatalities were obese, 37 percent had diabetes, and 62 percent had hypertension.

Sothern says the best way to beat the munchies is to avoid keeping snacks in your house or to replace them with healthy alternatives. Also, learn to tell the difference between when you want and need something.

Cut 6 (11) “…hungry”

Sothern adds that disruptions in your sleep schedule can also lead to increased eating.

__________________

Houma Representative Tanner Magee submits a letter to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education President Sandy Holloway requesting that the board does not consider a recommendation to cancel high school sports at this time.  Magee says it was important to offer a counter balance to a recent initiative scrap sports through December.

Cut 7 (07) “…the legislature felt.”

Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields of Baton Rouge had asked BESE to suspend fall sports for K-12 schools because of COVID-19.

Magee says among the reasons to continue moving forward with sports is to motivate many of students to stay in school and to combat the health concerns of those struggling with adolescent obesity.

Cut 8 (07) “…maintain that balance.”

Magee says canceling sports may also become an obstacle in seeing kids continue their education following high school.

Cut 9 (09) “…far more detrimental.”

_______________

Governor John Bel Edwards says the state is heading in the wrong direction in its battle to stop the spread of COVID-19, but he is not contemplating a statewide mask mandate. But Edwards says you should wear a mask when interacting with others outside of your home

Cut 10 (09) “…important”

The state health department reports over 70-thousand coronavirus cases since the pandemic started and one-thousand COVID patients are hospitalized.

The governor says over the last eight days Louisiana has tested over 100-thousand people, but that’s also created a back log in people getting their test results back. Assistant Health Secretary Doctor Alex Billioux says if you are waiting on your results and were exposed to someone who has COVID-19, stay home for 14 days

Cut 11 (10) “…not going out”

Concern is growing that the statewide coronavirus pandemic may result in fall high school sports being canceled. Edwards says it’s too early to say…

Cut 12 (12) “…more”

The LHSAA released a statement late Wednesday afternoon that said they are fully committed to the safe return of high school sports in the fall.

___________________________________

Hard seltzers have made an impact on the alcohol industry and some local craft brewers have hopped on board the trend.  Founder of Acadiana-based Bayou Teche Brewing Karlos Knott …

Cut 13 (12) “…doing the same.” 

The boozy sparkling water saw a sales growth of 73% between spring and fall last year.

At Bayou Teche, Knott says they have been putting out several flavors including blackberry lemonade, tangerine, mango peach, and kiwi key lime that are produced throughout the year with some seasonal variations.

Cut 14 (11) “…really good beer.”

Knott says the growth in popularity and the sustained market share indicate that hard seltzers in the craft beer industry are not just another fad.

Cut 15 (10) “…quite a bit.” 

LRN PM Newscall July 8

Does a mask mandate have any parallels to Nazi Germany? One Louisiana lawmaker releases a video that is raising eyebrows. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

____________________________

The 2019 national champion LSU Tigers have their rings. Jeff Palermo reports each player, coach and staff member received three rings for their role in the perfect season…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick denounces masking mandates in a video posted to Facebook.  In the clip, McCormick compares mask-wearing to Nazi Germany, the mark of the beast, eludes to the possibility of implanted tracking chips in the future, and brandishes a chainsaw,

Cut 3 (11)  “…***chainsaw sfx***.”  

Shreveport becomes the latest municipality to enact a mask mandate where anyone inside of a business needs to be wearing a face covering.  McCormick says a mask mandate is a gateway to other government efforts of overreach.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…take the mark.”

McCormick says the video is a call to action and now is the time to push back before it is too late.

Cut 5 (07)  “…in Nazi Germany.”
______________________

31-year-old Erroll Johnson was shot dead in Monroe this morning by State Police troopers trying to apprehend him after allegedly firing at officers on two different occasions in the past few days.

State Police Master Trooper Michael Reichardt says the first incident occurred Sunday when officers attempted to pull over Johnson, leading to a car chase.

Cut 6 (09) “…that time.”

Reichardt says troopers and local law enforcement later tracked Johnson to a motel in Monroe around 1 AM this morning.

Cut 7 (12) “…shot

Johnson was pronounced dead on the scene.

Reichardt says troopers attempted to convince Johnson to surrender peacefully before the shooting started.

Cut 8 (08)“…work.”

No troopers or other law enforcement were injured during either Sunday’s or this morning’s incidents.

_______________________

The 2019 LSU national championship football team is supporting new bling as they’ve received their rings for completing a perfect season. Special assistant to head coach Ed Orgeron, Derek Ponamsky, says each player and member of the staff received three rings to commemorate an historic season

Cut 9 (11) “…playoff tournament”

On the rings you can see the slogans “Hold That Tiger,” “One team, one heartbeat” and Ponamsky says on the inside of the national championship ring is the LSU standard of performance…

Cut 10 (09) “…to the kidney.”

Ponamsky says the team received the rings during a team meeting where they saw a video message from the players on LSU’s three previous national title teams and then Coach O told the guys look under your seat

Cut 11 (07) “…new drug.”

For the players and coaches who are no longer with the program, they had their rings shipped to them.

_________________________________________________________

Colorado State University updates their 2020 Atlantic hurricane season forecast, increasing the predicted number of this season’s named storms from 19 to 20.  CSU forecaster Jhordanne Jones says while we’ve seen smaller storms pop up so far, the season’s peak may pack a bigger punch.

Cut 12 (09) “…August to October.”

So far there have been five named storms and there’s a potential a sixth named storm will form off the coast of the Carolinas.

Jones says the bumped up forecast comes as the result of several factors, including above average sea surface temps in the north Atlantic.

Cut 13 (05) “…of the US.” 

Jones says there has also been no development of an El Nino that would suppress hurricane activity.

Cut 14 (09) “…for hurricane activity.”

The CSU team is also calling for nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes.

AM Newscall 07/07/2020

Police reform sat on the backburner while tort reform dominated the recent special session but a Baton Rouge lawmaker says that will not be the case next time the next time lawmakers head to the Capitol…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

COVID is not only detrimental to people’s health but it’s also testing relationships. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

___________________________________________

The largest auto insurer in Louisiana is giving drivers a decrease, but it has nothing to do with recent tort reform legislation. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

______________________________

There was little action on police reform in the recent special session but reform advocates say that is not going to be the case in the fall or 2021 session.

Baton Rouge Representative Ted James they will revive an effort to revoke qualified immunity for officers. He says the effort to allow cops to be held liable for misbehavior in civil court will be a major part of reform discussions. He says right now…

Cut 4 (10)_ “…liability.”

A push to end qualified immunity did not get out of committee in the recent session.

James says they’ll also be pushing to build on current laws that stop bad cops from department hopping after they get in trouble. Right now a cop who is convicted of excessive force can’t get rehired in Louisiana, but…

Cut 5 (12)  “…of force”

The one police reform-related item that passed was a resolution creating a 20+ member study group to study policing policy.

The special session took place as George Floyd protests began. Discussions of the issues at the heart of those protests, like police brutality, were restrained, but James says they won’t be next time.

Cut 6 (10) “…police”

__________________

The coronavirus is putting stress extra on relationships and many are calling it quits. In addition to family practice lawyers seeing an increase in business, the pandemic is also having another effect on divorces. Baton Rouge Attorney Nancy Sue Grégoire says those who were already in the process of a divorce before the pandemic began are having even more complications.

Cut 7 (08) “…get along”

Grégoire says the pandemic has caused many to lose their employment and healthcare and it is making the process of divorce even more difficult.  She has advice for those who are in the middle of ending their relationship.

Cut 8 (09) “…temporary.”

Instead of going to a courtroom and using ZOOM for court proceedings, Grégoire believes for some they don’t understand the reality of the situation.

Cut 9 (11) “…going to do it”

_______________

State Farm auto insurance policyholders can expect nearly a 10% decrease in their rates.  Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the drop is not linked to recent tort reform.

Cut 10 (09) “…by State Farm.”

State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the state, with a million policyholders.  Donelon says the rate decrease can be attributed to people staying at home and off the roads during the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cut 11 (07) “…at home orders.”

Donelon says this decrease, combined with three other rate decreases in the last couple of years has resulted in a 23% total rate decrease.  If history is any indication, Donelon anticipates other insurers will be following State Farm’s lead.

Cut 12 (07) “…driven by competition.”

The effective date of State Farm’s current reduction is August 24.
___________________________________

Legislation is awaiting the Governor’s signature that would allow electric co-ops to create their own hi-speed internet networks in rural areas that lack broadband access.

Franklinton Representative Beth Mizell (My-Zell) says the pandemic has put a spotlight on the serious problems her rural constituents face with their current non-broadband services.

Cut 13 (07) “…speed.”

If signed into law co-ops would be able to make broadband companies under separate entities from their current power companies so that utility funds were not used for internet service.

The FCC has committed to spending over 20 billion dollars on expanding rural broadband. Mizell says after that commitment her effort gained a lot of support.

Cut 14 (07) “…ago”

Mizell made the comments on Talk Louisiana.

Mizell says many of her lower-income constituents could benefit greatly from broadband in ways they might not expect.

Cut 15 (10) “…money”

Mizell says she has received assurances that Edwards will sign this legislation into law.

AM LRN Newscall for 7-6-2020

Tort reform advocates say recently passed legislation will lower auto insurance rates 10-15 percent, but how can we get that number even lower? This Bogalusa representative has an idea…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

Health experts warn that testing negative for COVID after having significant exposure to a COVID positive person is no guarantee you weren’t infected. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

The AARP of Louisiana is sounding the alarm on long term care facilities and their inability to take basic COVID-19 precautions.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

______________________________

An estimated 13 percent of Louisiana motorists are uninsured, and a Bogalusa Representative says increasing the minimum wage would lower that number.

The business lobby has never been a fan of raising the minimum, but Representative Malinda White says if the working poor got a living wage they could afford insurance, lowering rates for everyone.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…poverty.”

Tort reform advocates say recently passed legislation will lower rates by 10-15 percent, but if that number holds up Louisiana would still rank among the highest rates in the nation.

White says many workers don’t make enough money to both keep a roof over their heads and pay for auto insurance, so they go uninsured. She says that leads to a vicious cycle when they get caught.

Cut 5 (10)  “…a break”

White says the state’s high number of uninsured motorists is directly linked to our low wages, which results in some of the nation’s highest auto insurance rates.

Cut 6 (03) “…relatable”

__________________

If you’ve had significant exposure to a person with COVID-19 but still test negative should you go back to work before your 14-day quarantine ends? Health experts say no.

Ochsner Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Sandra Kemmerly says if you get exposed and immediately seek a COVID test the answer may not be helpful.

Cut 7 (08) “…negative”

Significant exposure is having contact with a COVID positive person within six feet for longer than 15 minutes.

Kemmerly says that’s because the virus can take days, or even over a week to build up in your system enough to actually be detected by current tests.

Cut 8 (06) “…detected.”

So if you are asked to self-quarantine for 14 days a negative COVID test does not release you from that quarantine.

And on the topic of testing for COVID, the recent increase in demand for testing as cases surge in Louisiana has Ochsner announcing they will no longer test non-symptomatic patients.

Cut 9 (06) “…kits”

Kemmerly says they are saving those kits for symptomatic patients in urgent care and emergency room facilities.

_______________

The AARP indicates the state is not doing a good enough job with the basic COVID-19 precautions needed to stem the loss of life and protect residents and staff in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. AARP State Director Denise Bottcher says around long term care facilities makeup around 1,500 deaths in the state.

Cut 10 (09) “…raising the alarm.”

Nationally, 50,000 long term facility residents have died from the virus.  Bottcher says congressional action is needed to make sure facilities are regularly testing and have the appropriate PPE.

Cut 11 (11) “…for virtual visitation.”

Bottcher says in recent weeks, the AARP has learned that about a third of facilities are not in compliance with regular testing of residents and staff, but non-compliance has been an issue for quite some time in different areas of cleanliness.

Cut 12 (12) “…before the pandemic..”

The AARP also opposed any sort of immunity from accountability for facilities with issues linked to COVID-19.

 

___________________________________

Governor Edwards is expected to sign a bill placing an eight percent tax on net revenue from online fantasy sports wagering.  Crowley Representative John Stefanski authored the legislation and says after it is signed into law, the gaming control board then has the ability to set rules.

Cut 13 (11) “…accept the revenue.”

In 2018, voters in 47 of the 64 parishes legalized fantasy sports betting and have been waiting for lawmakers to pass the tax component in order to win cash prizes with services like FanDuel and DraftKings.  Stefanski says those companies are standing by ready to implement regulation.

Cut 14 (11) “…the ground running.”

Stefanski believes those that want to participate in fantasy sports with the showdown between Drew Brees and Tom Brady in the first week of NFL games this year should be good to go  .

Cut 15 (08) “…it wouldn’t be.”

____________________________

 

AM Newscall 07/03/2020

Many people are planning to shoot off their own fireworks with many public displays canceled this year. Brooke Thorington has some safety tips from the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

_____________________________________

For the 4th of July Governor Edwards is begging residents not to do a repeat of Memorial Day and further spike our growing number of COVID cases. Brooke Thorington has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

___________________________________________

As more people are staying home due to COVID-19 backyards with pools are extremely attractive this summer. Chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Programming Michele Hlavsa (Waav saa) says there’s no data available so far that says the virus spreads in the water.

Cut 3 (12)  “…properly maintained.”  

Hlavsa says however there are germs that can be spread in the water if the chlorine is not properly maintained.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…killing power.”

Always keep an eye on children at the pool. Hlavsa says drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths in children ages one to four and never swim when you are sick.

Cut 5 (13)  “…have diarrhea”

________________________

Usually, the State Fire Marshal encourages families to enjoy public fireworks displays versus creating their own, but most are canceled due to COVID-19. SFM Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says fireworks are not legal in all jurisdictions and can be extremely dangerous if not done correctly and should only be handled by adults.

Cut 6 (12) “…reach of children”

Rodrigue says you should also only light fireworks on cement and away from structures.

Cut 7 (07) “…at a time”

Once you are finished with your celebration Rodrigue says to be sure to wet down fireworks after use and if you do place them in a garbage can put that receptacle away from your home.

Cut 8 (10) “…as well.”

Rodrigue also suggests you have a fire extinguisher or water nearby in case of an accident while setting off fireworks.

__________________________________

Governor Edwards says our current escalation in COVID cases began almost exactly two weeks after Memorial Day and he wants residents to avoid a repeat for the 4th of July.

Edwards says the additional, unmindful, unmasked contact people made on Memorial Day helped spur the present-day spike.

Cut 9 (09) “…Memorial Day”

The state has seen sustained growth in the total number of cases and hospitalizations over the past half month, with our positivity rate now hovering right at the 10 percent level.

Edwards says avoid any large gatherings for the holiday, and absolutely do not walk into any crowds.

Cut 10 (08) “…the same”

New data from a study of residents in Jefferson and Orleans Parish indicates the virus is more deadly than previously thought, and that asymptomatic carrier of COVID are more infectious than previously thought.

Edwards advises against fireworks displays this year. He says if you attend one of the few public displays still happening do some from your car, but better yet…

Cut 11 (07) “virtually.”

___________________________________

2K Sports has unveiled Pelicans forward Zion Williamson as the cover athlete for NBA 2K21 for Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X.  Zion lands the cover after only 19 games in the league, but he’ll be getting more playtime when the NBA starts back later this month in Orlando.  Zion says he’s been training every day during the pandemic, but very privately.

Cut 12 (12) “…my stepfather.”

The late Kobe Bryant and Portland Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard were also selected as cover athletes this year.  Bryant for the Mamba Forever Edition packaging and Lillard for the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PS4 versions of the game.

Zion says he loves the fans in New Orleans and admits playing without them in a closed-off environment will be a different experience.

Cut 13 (09) “…we’ll be fine.” 

Zion says he feels fortunate to be able to not see his rookie season come to an abrupt end due to COVID-19 and feels confident in the NBA’s handling of the situation.

Cut 14 (11) “…from certain situations.”

NBA 2K21 is available for preorder now and will be released later this year.

PM LRN Newscall

The special session is in the rearview mirror, but what do lawmakers feel were the highlights? Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

An in-depth survey of the level of COVID antibodies and mortality rates in the state’s first pandemic epicenters of Jefferson and Orleans Parishes reveals some shocking information about the virus. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

Looking back on the special session, House Republican Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez feels there are plenty of accomplishments to be proud of.  Miguez says most notably would be the use of CARES Act funding to help the business community and taking the proper first steps in lowering auto insurance rates.

Cut 3 (11) ”…we did that.”  

Miguez says he is disappointed that the timing of breaking away from the regular session along with coming back for the special session put a hurdle in the way of improving the litigation environment for the oil and gas industry with coastal and legacy lawsuits.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…don’t invest in Louisiana.”

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Sam Jenkins believes one of the highlights of the special session was getting passage of legislation to get one-time $250 checks in the hands of critical workers.

Cut 5 (10)  “…something that happens.”

Jenkins says the session did have its drawbacks.

Cut 6 (08) “…down the line.”
______________________

An Ochsner COVID-19 study of 25,000 Jefferson and Orleans Parish residents finds an estimated seven percent had coronavirus antibodies in mid-May.

The work also studied how likely people were to die if they were to be infected. Research scientist Dr. Amy Feehan says the infection fatality rate was 1.63 percent.

Cut 7 (11) “…the flu.”

The test was conducted from May 11th to May 15th.

The study showed black residents are nearly twice as likely to get infected than white residents, but once infected are just about as likely to suffer a fatal outcome. Feehan also adds…

Cut 8 (07) “…rate.”

About 6 percent of whites and 11 percent of blacks are believed to have been exposed to COVID-19 and have antibodies as of mid-May.

Feehan says they discovered that those who were asymptomatic were still highly contagious, and shedding a lot of virus.

9 (07) “…symtomatic.”

_________________________________________________

TV viewers who use the antenna in certain parts of the state will need to rescan their television sets so they will we able to receive local channels. FCC Chair Jean Kiddo explains why.

Cut 10 (10) “…consumers.”

TV consumers who use the antenna in Shreveport and Monroe will need to rescan their TV sets so they can receive all their local channels. If you have cable or satellite you do not have to do anything.

Kiddo explains how TVs that use the antenna need to be set up in order to receive local channels.

Cut 11 (11) “…be trained.”

To rescan your TV set go to the menu button on your remote control and under antenna use the autotune or auto program setting. If you need assistance you can also reach out to the FCC for guidance. Kiddo recommends this for all antenna users in the state, not just the Shreveport and Monroe markets.

Cut 12 (11) “…disappeared”

For more information, you can go to fcc.gov/rescan or call 1-888-CALL-FCC for assistance.

_________________________________________________________

Governor Edwards continues to stress the importance of wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  While some parishes have put a mask mandate into place while in public, Edwards says he currently has no plans to make a similar statewide mandate.

Cut 13 (12) “…the situations dictate.” 

Edwards says government officials are stepping up enforcement of mask use and other mitigation efforts at businesses, but calls on the public to do their part in not going to those businesses.

Cut 14 (12) “…whatever is required.”

Edwards insists mask usage is vital to moving Louisiana forward and says if we don’t get off of the current trajectory, even more restrictions will have to be put into place.

Cut 15 (13) “…in a hospital” 

________________________

 

 

Cut 16 (11) “ light bills” 

 

AM Newscall 07/02/2020

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 28th.

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 6th 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 31st.

LRN AM Newscall July 1

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”

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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” 

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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”  

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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.

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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”

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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.”

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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.

LRN PM Newscall June 30

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”  

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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”  

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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”

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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.”

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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.

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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”