We’ve hit the statistical peak of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Matt Doyle spoke with a state climatologist about the record-breaking season so far…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Louisiana Tech Head Coach Skip Holtz blames Hurricane Laura for an outbreak in coronavirus cases among the football team.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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The high school football season will kick off October 1^st and contact practices can resume today. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

_______________________________

Today we’re at the statistical peak of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season and so far it’s been one for the record books.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ve seen a record-breaking 17 named storms so far this year…

Cut 4 (07)“ …a second” 

Prior to 2020 the busiest first half of the season was seen in 2005 when only 15 named storms had formed at the halfway point. 2005 ended with 27 named storms.

Keim says back in June Tropical Storm Cristobal became the earliest C storm to ever form. It just got worse from there as more systems arrived…

Cut 5 (08)  “…ever had”

Of the 17 named storms so far five have become hurricanes and one became a major hurricane. Another two to five major hurricanes are projected by NOAA.

Keim warns Louisianans to remain vigilant and warns that just because we’ve been hit three times already doesn’t mean we won’t see a fourth landfall…

Cut 6 (12) “…Louisiana.”
____________________

LSU is using wastewater samples to track the spread of coronavirus on campus.  COVID patients shed the virus in their fecal matter and testing wastewater from various points in a sewer system can see how many cases exist. Civil and environmental engineering professor Dr. John Pardue says testing can be encouraged quickly upon detection at a certain location.

Cut 7 (09) “…samples next week.”

The science, known as sewer epidemiology, has been used in the Baton Rouge area for COVID tracking since June.

Pardue says not only does the screening show whether people on a system are COVID positive, but it can measure the viral load and give an estimate of how many people may have the virus.

Cut 8 (08) “…make an estimate.”

Pardue says sewer epidemiology, when compared to testing, can give an earlier idea of COVID positivity in a community.

Cut 9 (10) “…delay built in.”

____________________________

Louisiana Tech Head Coach Skip Holtz blames Hurricane Laura for an outbreak in coronavirus cases among the football team.  The Bulldogs were supposed to kick off the season playing Baylor on Saturday in a nationally televised game.  Holtz says it is a disappointing development since they had run a clean shop all through practice.

Cut 10 (12) “…wasn’t large enough.”

Holtz says players were trying to find suitable accommodations following the storm and that lead to many of them being infected by the virus.

Cut 11 (12) “…in the building.”

Holtz is hopeful that if the infected players do not have any complications that show up on an EKG, that up to 30 of the 36 players could return in time to play their next scheduled game on September 19^th against Southern Miss.

Cut 12 (12) “…now and then.”

No makeup date has been set for the matchup with Baylor.

___________________

The LHSAA announces the high school football season will kick off October 1^st and contact practices can begin today.

Director Eddie Bonine says teams will begin their eight-game season against their previously scheduled week three opponent, and the football community can’t wait…

Cut 13 (11) “…of that.”

There will be no jamborees, but scrimmages will be allowed from September 24^th-26^th.

Bonine says there’s still a lot of details to be worked out, like how to get cheerleaders and the band involved safely, but it will get done. He did acknowledge the ride may be a little bumpy…

Cut 14 (10) “…cases” 

A five-round playoff will be held at the end of the season but public and private schools will still compete separately. All nine championships will be held in the Superdome. Dates for the playoffs and championships have not been set.

Bonine says the research shows football can be safely conducted right now, and the biggest health risks are in the stands, not between the lines, so…

Cut 15 (10) “…against you.” 

The LHSAA will not be setting stadium capacities or attendance procedures, those will be determined by local officials and local health guidelines.

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Sixteen parishes impacted by Hurricane Laura have been approved to receive Disaster SNAP benefits. Brooke Thorington spoke with a DCFS representative.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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The LA GOP asks Governor Edwards to allow parish governments to make their own decisions about potentially moving to Phase Three. Matt Doyle has the story…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The state has received approval to distribute disaster food stamps in 16 parishes impacted by Hurricane Laura. The program will run in phases, with the first phase beginning tomorrow in Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Rapides, Vermilion, and Vernon.  Shavana Howard with DCFS explains what eligible recipients should do…

Cut 3 (09)  “…at 8am.”  

The number to the call center is 1-888-LA-Help-U. For more information and to pre-register go to dcfs.la.gov/DSNAP

Howard urges anyone who lives in the 16 parishes impacted by Hurricane Laura to pre-register online first and then call in according to their last name on certain days to apply. A list of days can be found on the DCFS website.

Cut 4 (09)“ …be eligible.” 

Howard says they will roll out benefits to the remaining seven parishes beginning September 17^th and storm victims are encouraged to the DCFS website for information about eligibility. Howard says they are working with other state agencies to streamline the registration process.

Cut 5 (12)  “…free right now.”

For more information and to pre-register go to dcfs.la.gov/DSNAP

_________________

Saturdays will look much different at Tiger Stadium this fall LSU announces there will be no pre-game walk down Victory Hill, the Tiger band will not perform on the field, no tailgating, and attendance will be capped at 25%.  Interim LSU President Thomas Galligan says attendees need to prepare to mask up.

Cut 6 (12) “…get outside.”

Despite a smaller crowd, Galligan is confident the energy of Tiger Stadium will still be there.

Cut 7 (13) “…magic with 25,000.”

Single-game tickets will not be available, so the fans that get to go to the games will be season-ticket holders, students, and a small number of fans from the visiting school.  Athletic Director Scott Woodward says the fans will enter the stadium in phases.

Cut 8 (09) “…go awry here.”

LSU’s first home game is the season opener against Mississippi State on September 26th.

________________________

The state Republican Party calls on Governor Edwards to allow parish governments to make their own decisions on whether or not to move into Phase Three.

LA GOP spokesperson Ben Smith says the current one size fits all statewide plan isn’t allowing areas with manageable levels of COVID-19 to restart their economies. He says it should be up to the locals.

Cut 9 (06) “…parish.”

Smith says local governments should also have the ability to decide whether to implement mask mandates, gathering limits, and bar closures.

Cut 10 (09) “…discretion.”

Smith says many areas of the state have plenty of hospital capacity and low transmission rates.

Cut 11 (10) “…pandemic.”

Jefferson, St. Tammany, and St. Bernard Parishes have passed resolutions calling for permission to make their own decisions on what phase to adopt.

_______________________

An 11-year-old in Moss Bluff has been charged with 2nd-degree murder after he allegedly fatally shot a family member. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a shooting and arrived at a home to find 39-year-old Andrew Lafleur III dead. Investigations Commander Gene Pittman…

Cut 12 (09) “…someone”

Pittman says the family did not allow the child to be interviewed and have retained counsel.

Pittman says it’s a tragedy.

Cut 13 (11) “…wrenching”

____________________________

It’s been nearly two weeks since Hurricane Laura came ashore and 90-percent of Calcasieu Parish remains without power. Governor John Bel Edwards says Laura damaged or destroyed over one-thousand power transmission towers, but the federal government is allowing Louisiana to use power generated in Texas

Cut 14 (12) “…Calcasieu Parish” 

Laura also damaged a Strategic Petroleum Reserve Site in West Hackberry. Its huge caverns hold eight billion gallons of crude oil. U-S Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette toured the damage this afternoon and the cost of fixing the repository is not his main worry…

Cut 15 (11) “currently feeling” 

Lake Charles residents are feeling forgotten by the national media.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A parking spot painting of President Donald Trump sparks controversy from the Washington Parish School Board and legal action from a Pine High School senior.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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The current Phase Two declaration ends Friday and Governor Edwards says we should expect a decision on whether we move to Phase Three imminently…

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

_______________________________

Lake Charles and the community’s response to Hurricane Laura has fallen out of the national media spotlight and it has left many residents feeling forgotten.  Mayor Nic Hunter says the story of resilience is one that apparently doesn’t appeal to national media outlets.

Cut 4 (08)“ …citizen any less.” 

Hunter says had the local response resulted in a lack of evacuations, a conflict between responding agencies, or had been a total train wreck, the level of lasting national media attention would be different.

Cut 5 (12)  “…would be here.”

Hunter says it is important for Louisiana residents to share the story of Lake Charles on social media.

Cut 6 (13) “…their own platform.”
____________________

A Pine High School Senior is taking the Washington Parish School Board to court after the superintendent ruled a parking space mural of President Donald Trump was too political.  Ned Thomas was participating in the school’s “Seniors Paint Your Parking Spot” program and had his design approved by the principal, only to have it painted over after a paid artist completed the image.

Cut 7 (12) “…it was gone.”

Thomas says he’s a big admirer of the Commander-in-chief and feels it should be okay to have a painting of a US President, but he was told that the school superintendent says it was too political.

Cut 8 (13) “…on the corner.”

The parking spot paint job of President Trump sporting an American flag headband and matching aviator sunglasses cost $200, but now it’s just a gray spot.  Thomas says the rules were simple: no negative, rude, or offensive language, pictures, or symbols, and now he’s going to court with a clear goal of seeking an injunction ordering the School Board to allow for the repainting of the picture and seeks $200 for damages for the destruction of the first version and attorney’s fees.

Cut 9 (10) “…the United States.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with legal expenses.  Washington Parish Superintendent Frances Varnado has not been available for comment.

____________________________

Governor Edwards says he’ll make an announcement on a possible move to Phase Three as early as today.

Edwards met with his medical team to discuss whether the state met the gating criteria to move to Phase Three last night, and he’ll be discussing a potential transition this afternoon with the White House…

Cut 10 (06) “…data.”

Edwards says if the state does advance to Phase Three and cases surge we may have to retreat back to Phase Two. He says compliance on social distancing and mask-wearing will prevent that…

Cut 11 (11) “…interruption.”

Edwards says he doesn’t have any second thoughts about how to state has handled the reopening of the economy so far, and…

Cut 12 (08) “…a reason.”

The current Phase Two declaration ends Friday.

___________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will begin accepting applications for pandemic relief from salt-water fishermen September 14^th.

LDWF Biologist Director Jason Duet (do-A) says the CARES Act included 300 million dollars in saltwater fisheries aid, and of that Louisiana received 14.8 million dollars to help out fishermen.

Cut 13 (11) “…dot gov.”

Duet says a person is eligible for up to 10,000 dollars in aid.

Cut 14 (11) “…loss.” 

Duet says you must be at least 18 years old and live in Louisiana or have your business domiciled in Louisiana. You must be able to demonstrate you were in the industry as of 2018 or 2019.

Cut 15 (10) “…captain.” 

Applications will be accepted until October 26^th.

______________________________________

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says the Tigers spent the holiday weekend evaluating the first scrimmage of preaseason camp. Orgeron says several first time starters looked good including their freshman tight end…

Cut 16 (19) “…very well” 

Orgeron says they have been working on tackling during this preseason despite the coronavirus

Cut 17  (25) “…all of em” 

With LSU losing so much talent off of last year’s national championship team, there are many who are not picking the Tigers to repeat as SEC champs. Orgeron says he would not underestimate this team

Cut 18  (23) “…be fun”    

.

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says if the numbers support it, he hopes Governor Edwards will back a move to Phase Three so that kids can get more time in classrooms. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards could announce, as soon as today, whether the state will be moving into Phase Three of economic reopening this week. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Power companies are reporting major milestones in service restoration following Hurricane Laura.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

_______________________________

A court hearing over the fate of the state’s fall election plan will be held today.

The status of the upcoming election plan is in limbo as Governor Edwards has vowed to reject an election plan by Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin that is backed by the Legislature. Ardoin says…

Cut 4 (10)“ …plan.” 

Under Ardoin’s plan the only COVID-related reason for requesting an absentee ballot is if you test positive for the virus during early voting or before Election Day. Edwards calls that woefully inadequate for public health, and worries how that would impact those ordered to quarantine.

Ardoin says whatever the result of this hearing is his office needs some kind of plan approved soon…

Cut 5 (06)  “…to do”

Federal District Court Judge Shelly Dick is set to preside over the hearing that will run today and tomorrow.

Ardoin says the longer the state takes to approve a plan, the higher the chances we won’t know the election results the night of November 3^rd due to the increased mail-in balloting.

Cut 6 (06) “…time.”

Today’s hearing is the result of a lawsuit brought by three women, the NAACP, and voting rights groups that oppose Ardoin’s proposed plan.

____________________

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says school systems are anxiously awaiting the Governor’s expected announcement on a possible move to Phase Three.

Brumley says Phase Three would mean systems in lower transmission areas could start considering a transition back to more in-person education due to larger class size allowances.

Cut 7 (10) “…of school”

Due to Hurricane Laura, only about 40 school districts were in operation as of Friday.

Brumley says they’ve been making due so far with hybrid education due to the influx of funding from the state and feds, but it doesn’t work for every student.

Cut 8 (10) “…connection”

Brumley says there’s been good compliance when it comes to school or class shutdowns and quarantine orders linked to outbreaks. Another area of high compliance? Face masks.

Cut 9 (09) “…coverings.”

____________________________

Could Louisiana finally be moving on to Phase Three of economic reopening? Governor John Bel Edwards will announce his decision as soon as today as the current proclamation of Phase Two expires Friday.

Cut 10 (03) “…data supports that.”

The state moved into Phase 2 on June 5^th and on July 13^th had a modification added closing bars and mandating mask usage while inside businesses. Restaurants have been limited to 50% capacity for in-person dining. Indoor gatherings above 50 people have also been banned.

Edwards says recent metrics are encouraging in Louisiana’s battle against the spread of COVID-19.

Cut 11 (06) “…and so forth.”

Edwards applauds residents for their spread mitigation efforts in reopening the economy, but continues to encourage practicing safety measures around others until a vaccine is found no matter how burned out someone may be with them.

Cut 12 (04) “…stay on task.”

___________________

Cleco has restored power to roughly 93% of its 140,000 customers who lost power due to Hurricane Laura.  Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says the timeline on restoration for remaining customers hinges on the types of damages an area sustained.

Cut 13 (06) “…rebuilding the system.”

Cahill says the company has a better picture of the by-the-numbers breakdown of damages.  On the distribution side, damage included 1,600 downed or broken poles, 1,000 damaged transformers, and 4,700 damaged cross-arms.

Cut 14 (10) “…trees on lines.” 

Entergy sees its first customers in Calcasieu Parish regain service on Sunday morning.  Entergy spokesperson David Freese says it is a milestone moment in the recovery process.

Cut 15 (09) “…for our customers.” 

Freese says it still could be weeks before restoration happens for some.

Cut 16 (09) “…back power sooner.” 

_____________________________

The Saints are getting ready to take on Tom Brady’s Bucs Sunday for the first game of the season.

The offseason additions of Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski have the team looking fierce on paper. Coach Sean Payton says it’s hard to know just what to expect from them…

Cut 17  (11) “…seeing” 

Payton says the legendary new figurehead for their division rivals will make them a much tougher team to face…

Cut 18  (11) “…player   

Brady didn’t resign with New England after a disappointing first-round flame-out of the playoffs last year. Brady also saw a ten-point drop in his quarterback rating from 2019 to 2018.

Payton also had some thoughts about the Bucs star-studded defense featuring Devin White, Ndamukong Suh, and last year’s sacks leader Shaquill Barrett.

cut 19 (17) “…against”  

Kickoff is set for 3:25 PM.

LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine tells the House Education Committee what to expect for the upcoming high school football season.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

A new federal eviction moratorium takes effect today and lasts until 2021. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine spoke to the House Education Committee this morning and says a plan is in place that would see high school football starting on time.  While originally forecasting that football could only happen in Phase Three, Bonine says the season could move forward in Phase Two.

Cut 3 (07)  “…9^th and 10^th.”  

Bonine says he has consulted with other states who are already playing football to form the standards.  From that, stadiums will operate at half-capacity for spectators.

Cut 4 (10)“ …diligently with that.” 

Bonine says in the event that enough players are told to quarantine or isolate to the point where they do not have an adequate roster to compete, the inability to play a game will not be counted against them as a forfeit.

Cut 5 (07)  “…move this forward.”

_________________

A CDC moratorium on evictions for non-payment of rent takes effect today and lasts until the end of the year.

Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center spokesperson Maxwell Ciardullo says the CDC is exercising powers granted to it during a public health emergency.

Cut 6 (12) “…like this”

So far in New Orleans alone since the moratorium ended June 15th there have been 730 eviction filings.

To gain protection under the moratorium a tenant must sign a declaration attesting that removal from their home would put them at great risk of contracting coronavirus. Ciardullo says you can get the form, useable statewide, at ready.nola.gov…

Cut 7 (06) “…covered”

New Orleans City judges ruled Thursday morning that the city will be suspending all eviction hearings, but reports are legal challenges in other parts of the country against the ruling are underway.

The ruling does not absolve renters of paying their rent, it just pushes the due date back to January. Ciardullo says this sets the stage for mass evictions to start 2021…

Cut 8 (11) “their homes”

Renters must make less than six figures to qualify for the protections.

________________________

Just over one in five Louisiana households still need to fill out their census forms.  Assistant regional census manager Marilyn Stephens says census workers are knocking on doors to in an effort to have the census count wrapped up by the end of the month deadline.

Cut 9 (11) “…19% of households.”

If a community is 5% undercounted, it could result in a loss of $15 million over the next decade.

Stephens says the when census takers show up at your door, they will have an official photo ID and be practicing virus spread mitigation efforts.

Cut 10 (07) “…from the doorway.”

Stephens says if no one answers the door, a census taker will leave documentation of their visit.

Cut 11 (09) “…required by law.”

Stephens adds that if someone responds to the census, online or by phone, within two days of receiving the notice of visit card, the census taker will not come back.

_______________________

Governor Edwards announces Louisiana has received a SNAP waiver allowing benefits to be used to purchase hot or prepared food for the month of September.

Edwards says this is a big help for those who’ve been displaced due to Hurricane Laura, and the 11,679 people being sheltered by the state, primarily in 37 New Orleans hotels.

Cut 12 (07) “…cook.”

Edwards says you can’t use these benefits at restaurants.

Cut 13 (09) “…whatever”

_______________________

When it comes to Laura evacuees the state still doesn’t have an exact number of people from Louisiana who fled to Texas and are being sheltered by the State of Texas, but he did say the number is likely in the thousands and mostly in Houston or Beaumont. He says they’re being moved…

Cut 14 (11) “…area” 

________________________

Governor Edwards wants Louisianans’ to keep their Labor Day celebrations as small as possible to mitigate the spread to COVID this year. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

________________________________

 A House committee meets this morning to discuss the future of fall high school sports. Matt Doyle spoke with the Committee Chairman…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

The first round of findings from a clinical trial using nitric oxide therapy on COVID-19 patients is showing encouraging results. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

______________________________

As many make plans for Labor Day Weekend Governor John Bel Edwards implores citizens of the state to remain diligent when it comes to social distancing so the state will continue to see a decline in COVID-19 cases numbers. In the past, two weeks after holiday gatherings the state has seen a spike in cases.

Cut 4 (11)“ …away from them.” 

Labor Day weekend is also the first-weekend many college students will be returning home for the first time. College students also fall into the age group with the highest growing number of COVID-19 case numbers. Even the governor takes precautions with his own college freshman.

Cut 5 (10)  “…to do that.”

Edwards says while traditionally many choose to cookout with family and friends for Labor Day he wants to remind everyone to protect those who are most vulnerable like those over the age of 65 and…

Cut 6 (11) “…mindful of that.”

___________________________________

The House Education Committee meets this morning with a session laser-focused on the future of fall high school athletics.

Chairman Ray Garofalo says the committee has been working with the LHSAA, BESE, the Department of Health, and other stakeholders to set a firm date for when contact practices and games can resume.

Cut 7 (10) “…right now”

The high school football season is tentatively set to begin October 8^th, and there’s a push to restart contact practices on September 11^th.

Garofalo says the biggest stumbling block for resuming sports has been concerns over legal liability should any students or staff get COVID-19. He’s confident they can get liability protection for high school sports by addressing legislation passed at the end of the special session.

Cut 8 (09) “…right now”

The LHSAA says under current interpretations of the law high school football is not feasible until the state enters Phase Three, and it’s still in Phase Two until at least September 11^th.

Garofalo is optimistic that the meeting will pave the way for turning back on those Friday Night Lights.

Cut 9 (08) “…as well.”

The meeting is set to begin at 9 AM this morning.

_______________________________

LSU Health Shreveport is reporting encouraging results from the first round of findings in its participation in a clinical trial trying to determine if nitric oxide can treat COVID-19 patients with mild and moderate symptoms. Principal investigator at LSU Health Shreveport, Dr. Keith Scott…

Cut 10 (11) “…it’s been administered.”

Nitric oxide has been used for 25 years in children with respiratory failure and in the last 15 years, it’s been shown to be impactful in adults as well.

Scott says this study was inspired by the use of nitric oxide during the SARS-COV 1 outbreak since the genetic variability is very similar between that virus and the current one.

Cut 11 (11) “…the lung itself.”

More is needed to be done in the study of the therapy. There are still some seriously ill patients being treated with the gas daily as part of the study.

Many hospitals already have nitric oxide on hand and Scott says if the therapy is given the overall greenlight, that means the treatment could be available instantly.

Cut 12 (08) “…to deliver it.”

__________________________

Facebook takes down a post by Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins for threatening to shoot armed protestors that come to Lafayette.  LSU Shreveport Poli Sci Professor Jeff Sadow says the post is Clay Higgins being Clay Higgins.

Cut 13 (13) “…for Congressman Higgins.”

Higgins posted pictures of an armed black militia group indicating that if they came to the state to protest, he would “drop any ten of you where you stand” and “if you show up like this, you won’t walk away.”

Sadow says social media giants started coming down on controversial posts like this from politicians several years ago after one particularly traumatic event…

Cut 14 (11) “…what they want.” 

Sadow expects to see more and more inflammatory posts from politicians on social media as November draws near.

Cut 15 (11) “…to the polls.” 

Governor Edwards says about 212,000 households are still without power a week after Laura made landfall. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

Hurricane Laura is estimated to be an eight-to-nine billion-dollar insured loss event. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (25) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________

It’s been one week since Hurricane Laura made landfall in Cameron Parish and cut a line of devastation from Lake Charles to Ruston.

Governor John Bel Edwards says no storm has ever maintained so much strength across so much of the state but despite the damage, he’s optimistic about the recovery.

Cut 3 (11)  “…to go”  

The Public Service Commission reports 211-thousand customers are still without power, down from the post-Laura peak of 615,000. Edwards warns many of those still out are in the hardest-hit areas.

Cut 4 (07)“ …restored” 

Nearly all of Winn, Beauregard, Calcasieu, and Cameron Parishes are still without power. Half of the customers in Natchitoches, Sabine, Vernon, Grant, and Allen Parishes are still out. These numbers come from the PSC.

Edwards says as of this morning nearly 12-thousand people are being sheltered by the state, nearly all in hotels, and he’s concerned about what would happen if out of state evacuees were to return right now.

Cut 5 (09)  “…demand”

The Governor asks anyone being sheltered out of state to remain out of state for the time being.

_________________

A lot of the attention on hurricane recovery in southwest Louisiana has been on Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes, but Beauregard Parish also took a significant hit from the Category Four storm. Sheriff Mark Herford says 85-percent of the parish is without power, but you will not go hungry…

Cut 6 (12) “…people here.”

Herford says there are hundreds of linemen working on getting the electricity and they deserve a pat on the back

Cut 7 (10) “…back up”

Herford says some areas could be without power for close to a month. He says Beauregard is your typical quiet rural parish, but there’s a lot of activity taking place now

Cut 8 (11) “…do something”

________________________

Hurricane Laura is estimated to be an eight-to-nine billion-dollar insured loss event, the second-highest in the state’s history only behind Katrina.  Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says with the mass amount of claims coming into insurers, policyholders need to file as soon as possible.

Cut 9 (07) “…resolve your claim.”

Whether it is tarping a roof, removing a tree, or whatever actions that need to be done, Donelon recommends taking whatever remedial steps can be taken to minimize the loss.

Cut 10 (08) “…connection therewith.”

Donelon says anyone who took photos of their property before the storm should also take photos of the damage caused by the storm for comparison by an adjuster.

Cut 11 (13) “…out to you.”

_______________________

49-year-old George Burns of Melder was shot by a Rapides Parish Sheriff SWAT marksman during a standoff after Burns allegedly barricaded in a home and fired at deputies.

Rapides Sheriff Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline says deputies responded to a call from a suspect threatening to kill himself. When deputies entered the home…

Cut 12 (11) “…with them.”

After retreating from the home with Burns’ family Carnline says deputies called in SWAT and negotiators to try to talk Burns down, but it wasn’t working and Burns began firing at law enforcement.

Cut 13 (11) “…Burns”

Burns is in stable but critical condition.

Carnline says it’s a sad situation and appears to be a family-related incident related to Burns’ estranged wife, but…

Cut 14 (12) “…often” 

Charges are pending on Burns. Carnline says this is the second barricading incident Rapides deputies have responded to this week.

________________________

LSU has reported 366 COVID-19 cases since August 15^th.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________________

Calcasieu and Cameron Parish residents will have to wait for another two to three weeks to get the power turned on in their homes. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

Hurricane Laura has opened the door for unlicensed contractors to make a quick buck without doing the work they were hired to do.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (27)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

______________________________

LSU interim president Thomas Galligan says the university has reported 366 COVID-19 cases since August 15^th.  In addition to a symptom tracker feature, Galligan says the LSU website has a COVID dashboard that will be updated Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 4 PM with the latest data.

Cut 4 (10)“ …from a person.” 

Videos have surfaced of large student parties.  Galligan says he has seen the clips and he says the school is investigating them and if it is a student organization putting together events, there will be repercussions from the school.  Galligan says right now, four student organizations are in the conduct process.

Cut 5 (10)  “…of organizational misconduct.”

Galligan says no single number defines whether to classes will go fully remote, but there will be an analysis of various metrics including student and faculty positive tests, plus faculty and staff absenteeism, just to name a few.

Cut 6 (12) “…in the area (2x).”

___________________________________

Entergy expects it will be another two to three weeks before power can be restored to most of Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes.

Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May says the infrastructure damage sustained in those two parishes was substantial.

Cut 7 (08) “…destroyed”

Work is ongoing to restore at least one of the lines so that power can be directed around the two parishes.

May says you’ll likely start seeing the lights come on soon than that at some nearby water plants, urgent cares, and other strategic locations.

Cut 8 (09) “…locations”

May says the company is working with local elected leaders to identify locations with the highest priority.

The industry vet has been with Entergy for 35 years and says they’ve only ever had 560 towers down statewide at one time. After Laura in Cameron and Calcasieu alone…

Cut 9 (08) “…the ground.”

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The state is pushing to sign up more poll workers ahead of the upcoming November 3^rd election.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says to qualify you have to be a registered voter in Louisiana who does not need assistance, able to attend a training course, be at least 17 years old, and have availability…

Cut 10 (07) “…voting”

Ardoin says early voting workers don’t have to work all seven days, but need to be able to work most of the days.

Ardoin says this year the risks associated with exposure to COVID-19 have led them to expand their efforts to recruit more young people.

Cut 11 (08) “…commissioners”

Nationwide there’s a growing concern about a lack of election workers as the average workers historically have been older citizens.

There are some volunteer positions, but Ardoin says you can also make a little money by participating.

Cut 12 (07) “…pay is.”

Poll workers help set up polling locations, welcome voters, verify registration and explain voting procedures and how to use the machines.

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Following the devastation of Hurricane Laura, scammers are looking to make a quick buck on storm repairs.  State Licensing Board for Contractors spokesperson Brad Hassert recommends verifying someone is a licensed contractor before making a hire.  That can be done online at lslbc.louisiana.gov.

Cut 13 (10) “…and in place.”

Hassert says it will mostly be unlicensed workers that will try to trick people out of money and one of the ways they do so is by asking for a large amount of payment upfront.

Cut 14 (11) “…question for me.” 

Hassert says the way you pay is also important in in documenting a paper trail of compensation.

Cut 15 (11) “…with them possibly.” 
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The Saints will have a full go scrimmage today as they are eleven days away from the season opener against Tampa Bay. Coach Sean Payton says with no preseason games, they need to work on getting players on and off the field

Cut 16 (20) “…eliminated.” 

Payton says he likes what he’s seen so far from backup quarterback Jameis Winston…

Cut 17  (17) “…smart player” 

Starting guard Andrus Peat looks thinner this season as the veteran says he’s lost 10 to 15 pounds. Peat says the weight loss should lead to better play on the field

Cut 18  (13) “…be good”   

A Monroe Senator calls on high school football families to hold their local superintendent’s feet to the fire and support firm start dates for contact practices and the season. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Governor Edwards says the state continues to move people seeking shelter from Hurricane Laura into hotels. Brooke Thorington has more.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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16 of 23 Hurricane Laura damaged parishes have been approved for FEMA individual assistance. Ouachita, Vermilion, Rapides, Natchitoches, and Lincoln are among the parishes who are now eligible for aid that includes temporary housing and home repairs. Senator Bill Cassidy…

Cut 3 (09)  “…their feet”  

Governor Edwards says over 80-thousand Louisianans have applied for FEMA Individual assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or disaster-assistance-dot-gov.

After the 2016 south Louisiana flood, thousands of storm victims were hurt by duplication of benefits. They received government assistance in the early days of their recovery and were not eligible for other government aid that became available later. Cassidy doesn’t believe that will be an issue for Laura victims…

Cut 4 (10)“ …of benefits” 

Cassidy says he’ll tour hurricane-damaged areas in Lake Charles tomorrow. He also has staff talking with storm survivors about their biggest needs

Cut 5 (08)  “…as well”

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Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey Jr. asks high school football families to call their local superintendents and tell them to demand the LHSAA allow players to begin contact practices September 11^th.

Cathey says also asks you to ask them to support the scheduled October 8^th season start date. He says it’s not just about the players…

Cut 6 (11) “…events.”

Cathey says because the LHSAA is controlled by superintendents and principles local families can influence the football season decision.

LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonnie has said football games can not happen in Louisiana until the state reaches Phase 3 of its economic reopening, but Cathey argues our neighbors are already making it work…

Cut 7 (08) “…October”

The LHSAA has expressed concern about facing possible liability for COVID infections should they resume play too early, but Cathey disagrees.

Cut 8 (08) “…Louisiana”

On Tuesday Attorney General Jeff Landry weighed in saying liability concerns were unfounded.

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Governor John Bel Edwards highly encourages Louisianans affected by Hurricane Laura to file for FEMA assistance immediately so they can receive benefits in a timely manner. Sixteen parishes have now been approved for federal assistance. You can do so by going to disaster assistance dot gov.

Cut 9 (14) “don’t give up”

Edwards is not giving up either, he originally requested assistance for 26 parishes, and hopes that eventually all will be approved for funding.

The largest hurdles to rebuilding southwest Louisiana is restoring power and water to the area. Edwards says in some of the hardest-hit areas approximately 500 large transmission towers need to be restored and blocked roadways are huge obstacles.

Cut 10 (07) “…of those.”

Governor Edwards says so far, the state has taken in approximately 11,500 people seeking shelter from Hurricane Laura. Many registered initially at the Mega Shelter in Alexandria and then they are moved into hotels.

Cut 11 (12) “…all together”

If you need shelter assistance text LA Shelter to 898211.

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A New Orleans woman is arrested, accused of setting fire to her apartment building after being given an eviction notice earlier in the day.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the suspect, 25-year-old Jazlynn Major, was located and arrested in Huntsville, Texas.

Cut 12 (09) “…of aggravated arson.”

Witnesses tell investigators the suspect left her apartment around 8:40 Monday night and a glow could be seen from her window, but the glow grew brighter and they realized it was a fire.

The three-alarm blaze garnered the response of 70 firefighters.  Browning says 26 residents in 20 units left their apartments unharmed, but a pet died in the blaze.

Cut 13 (11) “…that did perish.”

Major could face between two to 20 years in prison if convicted.  Browning says the state has seen an uptick in arsons during the pandemic.

Cut 14 (06) “…with the demand.” 

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