Essential workers could receive a one-time 250-dollar payment from the state as a result of the legislation heading to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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A UL Lafayette economics professor warns the COVID Recession will hit Louisiana harder than the recent Great Recession. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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A measure that would provide the gaming industry with an 83-million dollar tax break over the next five years is awaiting debate on the Senate floor after a Senate Committee approved the bill. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says his proposal is to help an industry that’s been hit hard by the COVID-19 economic shutdown

Cut 3 (08) ” their heels”  

The legislation allows each casino to distribute five-million dollars in free promotional play wagers without having to pay taxes. Johns says the state will make that money up

Cut 4 (10)_ “…using it today”

Johns says casinos use Promotional play wager as a marketing tool to attract customers to their casino. The tax break will cost the state an estimated 11-million dollars a year. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau expressed his support

Cut 5 (08)  “…I really do”

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A House committee has approved a bill that would result in 250-dollar checks to some front-line employees who were required to work when the coronavirus pandemic began. Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins says his legislation covers grocery store workers, first responders, health and child care workers…

Cut 6 (05) “…with the public”

Jenkins expects the program will cost 50-million dollars. Jenkins front line workers who earn less than 50-thousand dollars a year will be eligible and the cash will help stimulant local economies

Cut 7 (07) “…bills and expenses”

The only debate was over how the state will pay for this. The plan is to use coronavirus relief dollars from the federal government. Crowley Representative John Stefanski objects using money from a newly created small business grant program.

Cut 8 (13) “…as well”

Those seeking a hazard paycheck will be asked to apply through the Department of Revenue. The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

_________________________________________________________

A UL Lafayette economics professor warns Louisiana’s economic recovery from the COVID shutdown could drag into 2022. Gary Wagner says if the pandemic had not hit, the state would have still experienced a minor economic slowdown, but because of COVID-19, we’re now looking at historic long-term job losses.

Cut 9 (10) “…pandemic.”

The report shows the economic damage will be especially severe in Acadiana, Houma, and New Orleans due to the collapse of oil prices and the tourism industry.

Wagner says the coming recession will be worse than the Great Recession and hit the state hard because our growth heading into the pandemic was already pretty flat.

Cut 10 (06) “…month.”

Wagner notes there are some rosier projections based around the potential to rapidly regain those lost jobs the state begins to reopen, but there’s no consensus that that will happen.

Wagner says the COVID Recession will cost the state about a billion dollars in revenue compared to projections before the pandemic began.

Cut 11 (07) “…people.”

_________________________

The numbers are out regarding casino revenue in the month of May and the grand total is $70 million.  While that’s down from the nearly $218 million at the same time last year, Casino Association of Louisiana executive director Wade Duty says the numbers are a positive indicator for the state’s gaming industry, considering all of the hurdles they faced.

Cut 12 (10) “…a downward trend.”

Casinos partially reopened in mid-May and revenues are down only 13% compared to the same two weeks last year.  Duty says returning players have been very cooperative with spread mitigation efforts.

Cut 13 (09) “…within their expectations.”  

Overall, the feeling is the turnout is better than expected, but Duty feels a clearer picture of the pandemic’s impact on the industry will be revealed with June numbers.

Cut 14 (09) “…about getting out.”

June’s numbers will also reflect the reopening of New Orleans casinos which did not see an opening during May.

A study from Scripps Research Institute indicates mutations in the strain of coronavirus circulating the United States may be much more infectious than the Wuhan predecessor. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A Lake Charles attorney’s push to remove a confederate monument from the Calcasieu Courthouse receives support from a judge. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased for three straight days in Louisiana after nearly two months of consistent declines. Matt Doyle has more on why that may be…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The US Senate’s lone African American GOP member is set to unveil police reform legislation today in response to the George Floyd protests.

The legislation limits use of chokeholds, requires officers to intervene if they see excessive use of force, and provides for more cameras. Senator Bill Cassidy says Tim Scott’s bill is a necessary conversation.

Cut 4 (10) “levels”

Tuesday the President signed his own executive order blocking federal funds from heading to police departments that do not limit the use of chokeholds.

Cassidy says he looks forward to the coming debate over police reforms and wants other states to take a look at New Orleans Police’s use of force policy for guidance.

Cut 5 (05) “…died.”

Outside of one notable incident near the Crescent City Connection Bridge, there has been limited conflict between protesters and the NOPD since Floyd’s death.

Chokeholds feature prominently in both today’s Senate legislation and the President’s order, but Cassidy says a total ban warrants further study.

Cut 6 (13) “…about that.”

Democrats have attacked the GOP proposal calling it too narrow, instead touting a more expansive House bill.

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A study from Scripps Research Institute indicates the strain of coronavirus circulating the United States appears to show mutations making the virus more stable and abundant than the original strain from Wuhan, China.  LSU Health New Orleans molecular geneticist Dr. Lucio Miele says viruses that contain a mutated protein are approximately ten times more infectious.

Cut 7 (11) “…life forms evolve.”

With every new infection comes a slight imperfection between the source virus and the new virus protein.  Miele says with the more viruses that are out there, the better there is a chance is that one of them is going to hit on a mutation that makes it more infectious.

Cut 8 (12) “…helps it survive.”

He adds letting the virus spread for herd immunity to develop is more dangerous than originally thought.  Miele believes figuring out how the virus is changing is vital information in the development of vaccines, treatments, and containment.

Miele says one of the drugs being used for treatment right now, remdesivir works by cause more mistakes in the repetition of the virus.

Cut 9 (10) “…a double-edged sword.”

__________________________________

A push is being led by a Lake Charles attorney for the removal of a Confederate monument at the Calcasieu courthouse has also received the support of a judge in that courthouse.  Attorney Todd Clemons says when you are black and entering the courthouse, the monument sends a message that you don’t have equal rights, having a chilling and intimidating effect.

Cut 10 (07) “…to be removed.”

Judge Ron Ware has also been vocal that it is time for the monument to come down.

Clemons says he was surprised to see the support from the judge. Clemmons says his frustration had grown over the years after seeing officials support the removal of confederate installments from other areas, but didn’t see that same energy come up in Lake Charles.

Cut 11 (13) “…that’s on you.”

Clemons says he’s seeing plenty of support for the movement and feels confident with that momentum, the monument will be coming down soon.

Cut 12 (08) “…past four weeks.”
________________________

Louisiana has now seen three straight days of COVID-19 hospitalizations, the metric used by health officials to track the actual rate of community spread.

Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Alex Billioux says their contact tracing data shows this is largely due to increased social interactions in recent weeks, and possibly because of Memorial Day.

Cut 13 (10) “…spreads” 

Billioux says it does not appear this recent increase in transmissions is disproportionately due to new clusters in nursing homes.

Neighboring Texas and Arkansas have seen record-breaking increases in the last week. Billioux says that could be foreshadowing.

Cut 14 (09) “them.”

The growth in cases has been largest in the Lake Charles, Alexandria, and Monroe regions.

Billioux says the recent upward trend here, and the record spikes in neighboring states are important reminders that the pandemic is not over and we need to continue wearing masks and social distancing.

Cut 15 (06) “…or two.”

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Starting in July, Louisiana small businesses can apply for a state grant worth up to 15,000 dollars to help offset COVID related losses. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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More Louisiana residents will be eligible for medical marijuana treatment under legislation signed into law by the governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a bill that would have provided companies impacted by COVID-19 a rebate for hiring or rehiring employees. Covington Representative Mark Wright says businesses would be eligible for the program if they hired at least five people and added 40-thousand dollars in total payroll

Cut 3 (07)  “…sticking it out”  

But in the governor’s veto letter, Edwards said the program would create a large pool of eligible businesses and the potential cost to the state could be substantial. But Wright disagrees on the cost of his legislation…

Cut 4 (11)_ “…to it”

The legislation received overwhelming support in the legislature and it could be brought up again in a potential veto session.

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Governor Edwards signs legislation barring residents from suing a restaurant, claiming they got the coronavirus from their business. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says it’s tough to prove where someone contracted COVID-19, but that wouldn’t stop someone from trying…

Cut 5 (10)  “…jobs”

But McMath notes that if restaurants refuse to follow COVID guidelines like mandatory mask wearing for employees they could still get sued.

Cut 6 (09) “…misconduct”

Take-out, drive-thru, and delivery food services are covered under the new law which is retroactive to March 11th. A restaurant could only be sued if there was documented gross negligence.

_______________________

The State Treasury Department will launch a 300-million dollar small business COVID relief grant program in July as a result of legislation signed by the governor. Treasurer John Schroder says once the program gets started, they will take applications from businesses that did not receive federal coronavirus relief funding

Cut 7 (08) “…benefits”

To qualify your business must have fewer than 50 employees and can demonstrate COVID-19 related losses.

Schroder says they’ve also dedicated a portion of the funds so certain business owners can take advantage.

Cut 8 (08) “…buisinesses.”

Qualifying businesses can receive an up to 15,000 dollar grant. Schroder says, assuming you qualify, you don’t have to pay it back like you would a PPP loan. But…

Cut 9 (10) “…Louisiana.”

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell asked Governor Edwards to veto the grant program because it removed 300 million dollars from a fund that’s set to direct dollars to local governments.

_______________________

New research from personal finance website WalletHub indicates 6 in 10 Americans think COVID-19 has changed the way we work for the better.  WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says around a third of Americans feel physical offices are a thing of the past and many will choose where to live based on things other than proximity to the office.

Cut 10 (08) “…nearby outdoor activities.”

About a third of respondents also believe businesses should be held responsible for employees getting sick.

Gonzales says the number of those feeling more productive takes a dip when it comes to parents.

Cut 11 (09) “…being more productive.”

Around 67 percent of Americans think people who do not want to return to the office and would rather work from home should not see pushback from employers, but Gonzales says not everyone is as sympathetic.

Cut 12 (10) “…paid on unemployment.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards signs a bill that greatly expands access to medical marijuana. Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives lobbyist Danny Ford says this measure allows any doctor in good standing to recommend medical cannabis to a patient suffering from a debilitating condition…

Cut 13 (11) “…could help”  

Under current law, medical marijuana is only available to a patient suffering from a specific condition or disease. Ford says the requirement that a doctor must have a special license in order to recommend the treatment has also been removed…

Cut 14 (05) “…is necessary”

The legislation that expands the state’s medical-marijuana program will go into effect August 1st. Ford says the supply of medical cannabis might be tight, but it should improve as LSU is the state’s only licensed grower…

Cut 15 (11)“ very soon” 

A new fat-burning substance is discovered in the labs at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Monday’s decision by the Supreme Court that LGBTQ people deserve equal treatment in the workplace is being celebrated by some while being a disappointing development to others. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Revisions to a regular session tort reform bill that was vetoed by the Governor appear to have won the effort a veto-proof majority in the House…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Pennington Biomedical Research Center researchers say a chemical compound called BAM15 shows great promise as a metabolism increasing fat burner.

Pennington Executive Director Dr. John Kirwan says they found the compound in a chemical library and administered it to lab mice. He says the results were impressive.

Cut 4 (07) “potential.”

BAM15 is not a substance that occurs naturally in the human body.

Kirwan says BAM15 infiltrated fat cells in those lab mice and showed weight loss in the test group without any additional physical exertion compared to the control group.

Cut 5 (07) “…leaner.”

BAM15 was also shown to reduce blood sugar and insulin levels in lab mice.

Test results showed BAM15 actively increased passive fat burn in test mice for hours after it was taken. Kirwan says it is also easy to administer as a supplement.

Cut 6 (09) “…diet.”

The substance will have to move to human trial next and would likely not be available for several years should it prove safe and effective.

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The US Supreme Court’s decision on Monday of extending the protections of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to apply to gay and transgender workers is being considered a historic ruling.  Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says it may result in unknown ramifications.

Cut 7 (11) “…releasing an employee.”

Mills says this could result in an uptick of lawsuits between workers and their employers.

Cut 8 (11) “…litigation-rich field.”

Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party Stephen Handwerk says this decision means that LGBTQ individuals can now go to work with the peace of mind knowing that they have every right to be there.

Cut 9 (08) “…over their head.”

The decision came on a 6-3 vote, with two votes coming from conservative judges, including President Trump appointee Neil Gorsuch.  Handwerk says this is another step in the right direction for equality for those in the LGBTQ community.

Cut 10 (09) “…a good day.”

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Louisiana Highway 1 in Lafourche Parish receives $135 million in federal grant money to construct an 8.3 mile elevated highway from Leeville Bridge to Golden Meadow, making it the largest transportation grant in America.  Congressman Garret Graves says the road is vital to get to Port Fourchon.

Cut 11 (13) “…the United States.”

The money comes as part of the FAST Act which requires that projects which support national energy security priority consideration for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant program.

Sections of the highway are so low that the road can go under water with a high tide or a strong wind, but experiences the most trouble with storm surge from tropical systems.  Graves says shutdowns of the roadway have widespread impacts.

Cut 12 (12) “…of extended period.”

Graves says the plans have been in the works since the mid-90’s and the total construction time would likely span 18 to 24 months.

Cut 13 (11) “…quarter of 2021.” 

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The House passes legislation making revisions to the tort reform effort that was vetoed by the Governor, winning a veto-proof majority for the bill in the process.

Bill sponsor Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo says the legislation requires insurance companies to meet with the Insurance Commissioner to see how much money this legislation has saved them…

Cut 14 (04) “…accordingly.”

The bill makes a few adjustments relative to legislation that was vetoed by Governor Edwards, namely decreasing the jury trial threshold further to 5,000 dollars from the previous bill’s 10,000 dollars. The current threshold is 50,000 dollars.

New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says just because companies are required to meet with the Commissioner, doesn’t mean he can, or will force them to lower rates.

Cut 15 (10) “…zero.”

Landry noted even the ten percent promised reduction in rates would still give us some of the top five highest rates in the nation, which needs to be addressed through other legislation.

Erath Representative Blake Miguez they’ve worked hard to make sure this bill ensures Louisiana’s legal system more closely reflects our neighbors who pay much lower premiums.

Cut 16 (09)  rates” 

But Amite Representative Robby Carter tore into the bill over how it would impact our ability to fund court systems and ensure injured victims receive just compensation.

Cut 17  (08) “…beginning” 

The bill heads to the Senate.

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Housing advocates warn today’s expiration of the eviction moratorium could lead to a public health and homelessness crisis. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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With a season full of restaurant closures that devastated their sales, wild crawfish fishermen are feeling left out after not receiving any CARES Act funding.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Housing advocates ask the Governor to again extend the eviction moratorium that lapsed today warning the state could face a public health and homelessness crisis if not.

Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center spokesperson Max Ciardullo says mass evictions will hamper social distancing efforts.

Cut 3 (11)  “…wave”  

Ciardullo says the evictions put people at high-risk of COVID in a bad spot. He says if you are high-risk and get an eviction notice, know your rights.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…disabilities”

Ciardullo says 41 percent of Louisianans in the end of month Census Household Pulse Survey say they feared not being able to make rent for June. Two months from now it could be far higher.

Cut 5 (09)  “…to”

Louisiana has roughly 600,000 renters.

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Authorities are seeking those responsible for gunfire that left two people are dead at a large gathering in Raceland.  Just after midnight on Sunday morning, Lt. Brennan Matherne says the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call about a disturbance on St. Louis Street.

Cut 6 (10) “…shots ring out.”

Matherne says two females, 21-year-old Aliza Gabriel and 20-year-old Tanasa Francis, both of Raceland, were shot and pronounced dead at the scene.

Cut 7 (10) “…at this time.”

Matherne says investigators strongly urge eyewitnesses to come forward with information, video, or photos from the scene.

Cut 8 (09) “…people arrived in.”

_______________________

Crawfish farmers may have received funding from the CARES Act, but wild crawfish fishermen are feeling left out as they will not receive any stimulus money.  Wild crawfish fisherman Jody Meche says he and his peers produce just as much and just as good or better crawfish compared to farmers and there should be no difference in funding.

Cut 9 (09) “…red blooded Americans.”

Meche says he spends hundreds of dollars a day on bait and fuel to harvest the mudbugs and the relief money would help with the expenses of not being able to sell his catch because restaurants have not been buying.

Cut 10 (12) “…3 or 4 times.”

Meche says this is the one time where fishermen can get money to spread out over the rest of the year and that conditions were favorable for this to be a big season, adding that this may shut down some in the industry.

Cut 11 (10) “…any relief money.”

Meche says he’s reached out to the congressional delegation about the issue.

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The U-S Supreme Court has ruled a worker can not be fired because they are gay or transgender. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the ruling means the Civil Rights Act of 1964, covers sexual orientation and transgender status.

Cut 12 (12) “same feeling”

Ciolino says the ruling has added meaning in Louisiana because state law did not protect gays and transgender individuals from workplace discrimination…

Cut 13 (10) “…face legal liability”  

The vote was six to three in favor of this ruling. Ciolino says based on polling, the public supports the decision…

Cut 14 (10) “…overturn this”

Ciolino says the ruling means Louisiana employers can be sued if an employee believes they were fired because of their sexual orientation or transgender status.

The Governor’s moratorium on evictions ends today. Brooke Thorington spoke with a couple of landlords…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

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A political analyst says due to the widespread adoption of mail-in voting it is unlikely we will know who wins the November Presidential election the night the polls close…

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Governor Edwards has vetoed the tort reform bill. Kevin Barnhart on what happens next…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Evictions are scheduled to begin today after being frozen by the Governor since late March. Patrick McCarron with Thomas Jefferson Real Estate says he’s looking forward to proceeding with evictions as it has been a frustrating few months for landlords who’ve had tenants who’ve refused to pay rent.

Cut 4 (09) “government.”

McCarron says during that time landlords have been legally obligated to continue to provide basic services at the properties.

Baton Rouge landlord Steve Myers says the number of people who will be facing eviction varies but it appears that the vast majority of tenants have been making rent since the pandemic began.

Cut 5 (07) “…percent.”

Landlords who receive federal assistance or federally backed loans may not proceed with evictions until late August.

Myers says many tenants who have been struggling financially have been offered hardship plans by their landlords to weather the COVID shutdown.

Cut 6 (10) “…basis.”

Housing advocates warn the resumption of evictions during the pandemic constitutes a serious threat to public health. For more information on tenants’ rights contact the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center.

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A Louisiana pollster believes it may take up to a week to know the results of the November Presidential election. JMC Analytics and polling founder John Couvillon says that’s because many swing states are adopting mail-in voting…

Cut 7 (09) “…day”

California, which allows mail-in votes to be submitted as late as Election Day, took weeks to officially report the results of the Democratic Primary earlier this year.

Couvillon says for example President Trump won Pennsylvania by just 40,000 votes in 2016, a state that just OK’d widespread mail-in voting…

Cut 8 (12) “…vote”

The analyst warns even in Louisiana, where the state has adopted restricted mail-in voting due to COVID-19, the substantial increase in mail ballots could produce slowdowns in election reporting.

Couvillon says even though the delay may frustrate some he still sees mail-in voting as the wave of the future…

Cut 9 (08) “…day.”

Studies suggest there is little to no partisan impact from the adoption of mail-in voting.

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The investigation continues into Thursday night’s murder-suicide that resulted in the deaths of four children and two adults at the Parkview Apartments in Monroe. Interim Police Chief Reggie Brown says 30-year-old Brittany Tucker killed a neighbor, her four kids, ranging from five months to 12 years old and then shot herself. Brown says Tucker battled mental illness.

Cut 10 (04) “…to her actions.”

Brown says Tucker was diagnosed with mental illness within the past couple of years and was receiving treatment.

But the chief says neighbors told detectives that prior to Thursday’s shooting that Tucker was seen walking, showing irrational behavior and waving a gun in her hand.

Cut 11 (10) “…she needed.”

Brown says they believe Tucker purchased the handgun at a local gun store, adding the investigation is ongoing as to how and why Tucker was allowed to obtain the firearm.

Cut 12 (04) “…June the 5th.”

Authorities are asking the public to call your local police department or 911 if you see someone with a history of mental health issues acting irrationally.
______________________________

As expected Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the tort reform bill aimed at lowering car insurance rates by making changes to the state’s civil litigation system.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the timing, with just over two weeks left in the special session, indicates Edwards does not believe the veto will be overturned.

Cut 13 (08) “…he did it.” 

Edwards cited the measure does not contain a mandate to lower auto insurance rates as assured by its supporters.  Pinsonat says the debate over this bill will continue into the special session.

Cut 14 (12) “…high insurance rates.”

Pinsonat foresees the Governor suffering some backlash in his relationship with lawmakers over this veto.

Cut 15 (08) “…in the road.”

Edwards says he’s willing to work with anyone operating in good faith to reach a compromise. He says he’s confident they can reach an agreement on a bill that will have broad support.

____________________________________________

Louisiana Tech confirms a football player has tested positive for COVID-19. The school says the student-athlete will self-quarantine for the next 14 days. Tech says additional football student-athletes could have been exposed and those players will also be mandated to self-quarantine for the next two weeks.

Prior to Saturday’s announcement, Coach Skip Holtz said he was proud with how his players stayed in great shape during the COVID shutdown

Cut 16 (22)  to play” 

Holtz says they’ve had enough time to prep for 2020. The Bulldogs had to halt spring practice in mid-March because of COVID-19. Holtz says the battle for starting quarterback will not get going again, until they get back on the field…

Cut 17  (23) “…get there” 

The three-man race to replace J’Mar Smith at quarterback is between Abilene Christian transfer Luke Anthony, redshirt senior Westin Elliot and redshirt sophomore Aaron Allen.

Senior linebacker Ezekiel Barnett says he missed not being around the guys when players were sent home as the pandemic began in Louisiana

Cut 18  (25) “…miss the guys”   

Lousiana Senator Bill Cassidy is not a big fan of the defund police movement. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

____________________________

In addition to Middleton Library, there’s now a movement to rename more buildings on LSU’s campus Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”  

_____________________________

Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy says the death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis Police Officers should not have occurred, but calls defunding police a stupid idea. Cassidy says cutting law enforcement budgets will only help criminals.

Cut 3 (11)  “…fund the police”  

Cassidy says the focus should be on police reform and also allocating more dollars towards mental health programs so that officers have fewer encounters with mentally ill individuals. But he admits this is not an overnight solution…

Cut 4 (11)_ “…are treated”

Senate Democrats have proposed a National Police Misconduct Registry as a way to prevent problematic officers from getting hired at another police force. Cassidy says a similar system is already in place for physicians, so a registry for police officers could work if there’s due process…

Cut 5 (06)  “…of another.”

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A long-standing Mardi Gras tradition is being canceled in 2021 due to COVID-19.  Senior Lieutenant with Mystick Krewe of Louisianians Tyron Picard says the Washington DC Mardi Gras will not be taking place next January.

Cut 6 (09) “…room by January.”

The event features Louisiana’s biggest movers and shakers in D.C. for three days of politicking and celebrations.  More than 2,000 people from Louisiana attend the four-day event in the nation’s capital.  Picard says the 76-year event has only seen cancellations three other times.

Cut 7 (09) “…and storied tradition.”

The event started off as just a cocktail party and a way for the Louisianan congressional delegation to celebrate Mardi Gras away from the Bayou State.  Picard says while it is disappointing to see the event be canceled, the focus now shifts to 2022.

Cut 8 (08) “…very safe fashion.”

_______________________

A proposal is in the works to rename LSU’s Middleton Library and there is also a movement to rename eleven more buildings on campus.  President of LSU College Dems Daniel Carpenter says there are buildings named after Confederate soldiers…

Cut 9 (11) “…why that is.”

The organization posted a press release on its Twitter page with suggestions of whom the buildings should be named after, as opposed to those with confederate or racists backgrounds.

Cut 10 (10) “…culture of campus.”

Carpenter says it is time for LSU to make the campus more welcoming and open, especially for black students.

Cut 11 (08) “…as a slave.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he supports the renaming Middleton Library. The Middleton family issued a statement opposing the name change and referred to their ancestor General Troy Middleton as a war hero and a Louisiana icon.

_______________________________

Iconic French Quarter bars are set to reopen at 25 percent capacity Saturday as New Orleans enters Phase Two.

This veteran French Quarter bartender says while some bars will open for the first time, many have been slinging drinks since Phase One…

Cut 12 (08) “man”

Bars with Department of Health food service certifications have been allowed to operate as restaurants, which have a 50 percent capacity limit at the moment.

The COVID shutdown has been devastating to service industry employees, but this Bourbon Street pro says reopening establishments at a quarter capacity does them no favors…

Cut 13 (06) “…living”  

That bartender says patrons must observe strict social distancing and must wear masks while inside bars or we could see super spreading incidents like have happened in other countries.

Cut 14 (07) “…careful”

Phase Two requires patrons to space out six feet away from other groups and calls for setting up tables for patrons to be served at like a restaurant.

Louisiana’s television and film industry has felt the impact of COVID-19, but when will it start to come back?  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries wants you to take part in a Free Fishing Weekend this Saturday and Sunday. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

___________________________________________

The FAFSA priority deadline for 2020 high school grads is fast approaching. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________________

COVID-19 has put the brakes on the state’s television and film productions, but it is believed the industry will resume soon.  Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment Chris Stelly anticipates cameras will roll again in July or August.

Cut 4 (08) “…them in reentry.”

There is some uncertainty as to how quickly the industry will come back and at what volume, but Stelly says each production will have to make the determination as to how fast they want to move back into operations.

Cut 5 (07) “…in the state.”

Film industry unions and guilds have recently issued guidance for best practices when it comes to resuming productions in a safe manner.  Stelly anticipates spread mitigation efforts will be ramped up, including extra cleaning on set, smaller crews, and increased hygienic practices.

Cut 6 (11) “…will be production.”
______________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is encouraging you to grab a pole and take part in their annual Free Fishing Weekend this Saturday and Sunday. That means you do not need a license to fish. LDWF spokesperson Ed Pratt says it is the perfect time for experienced anglers to introduce the sport to a novice.

Cut 7 (12) “…out there too.”

Pratt reminds you to be safe while fishing by practicing social distancing and keep your groups to ten or less.

Cut 8 (10) “…them on too.”

Many families are looking for safe outdoor activities during the COVID pandemic. Pratt says Free Fishing Weekend is the ideal opportunity

Cut 9 (09) “…the virus.”

LDWF reminds the public that anytime outside Free Fishing Weekend, anglers 16 and older must possess a fishing license when fishing in any Louisiana public waters.

For information on purchasing a license, you can go to https://la-web.s3licensing.com/

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LOSFA has begun processing 2020 high school graduates TOPS eligibility and is asking students to fill out their FAFSA before the July 1^st priority deadline.

LOFSA Executive Director Sujuan Boutte says 2020 grads need to set up their Student Hub account ASAP to track the status of their TOPS application.

Cut 10 (13) “…study.”

Boutte advises students to use the exact same name and spelling on all documents to prevent processing errors.

The deadline to file your ACT score has been extended to September 30^th, but Boutte still wants you to submit your current scores. If you test again later and score higher…

Cut 11 (08) “…hub.”

The extension came as part of a gubernatorial order aimed at helping students impacted by COVID-related disruptions.

The COVID disruption has many students contemplating just sitting out the fall semester. Boutte says if you do, that’s fine but still file now in case your change your mind.

Cut 12 (11) “…gone”

For the 2019-2020 academic year, 54,000 students received 302 million dollars in benefits from the TOPS program.

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Louisiana Pandemic EBT cards are arriving this week for the first round of applicants.  The money is to help offset the cost of food for school children who would normally get free or reduced-price school meals.  Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says be careful not to confuse it with junk mail.

Cut 13 (05) “…is money inside.” 

Instead, it’s a plain white envelope with an Austin, Texas, return address. Those who have applied between May 25 and June 1 should expect to receive their cards by June 13.

Dunn says the average family will receive $285 per eligible child in a one-time time installment.

Cut 14 (11) “…receive those benefits.”

Dunn says the deadline to sign up for P-EBT has been extended to 4:30 PM on June 15^th and it will not be extended again.  So far, applications have been received on behalf of about 450,000 eligible children.

Cut 15 (09) “…about 700,000 children.”

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Legislation creating the framework to tax online fantasy sports passes a House committee and is headed to the House floor.

The bill sets an eight percent tax rate on net revenue for the activity and mandates those funds must be spent on early childhood education. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes applauded it.

Cut 16 (07)  our state” 

47 parishes approved cash prize based online fantasy sports gaming, an activity that is mostly limited to the sites DraftKings and FanDuel.

The fiscal note estimates only about 365,000 dollars of revenue will be generated every year. Bill sponsor Crowley Representative John Stefanski says it’s not much, but every little bit helps.

Cut 17  (07) “…forward” 

If this tax plan were to be signed into law by Governor Edwards online fantasy sports gaming could be up and running in the state for the coming football season.

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