AM LRN Newscall 09-24-2020

It’s been about half a year since the first wave of pandemic business closures forced hundreds of thousands of Louisianans onto unemployment. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The 2020 Census count deadline is less than a week away and Lt Governor Billy Nungesser stresses the importance of being counted. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (29) “…Brooke Thorington” 

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Democrats are crying foul after the state voter registration portal was shut down for part of National Voter Registration Day. Matt Doyle spoke with the new Chair of the state party…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Tens of thousands of Louisianans will stop receiving state unemployment payments this week, and start drawing down federally extended benefits.

Half a year ago the first wave of coronavirus was sweeping the state. Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Dejoie says they expect twenty to thirty thousand additional people a week will no longer be eligible for their six months of state payments.

Cut 4 (06)“ …individuals” 

But that doesn’t mean all of those people falling off the rolls will stop receiving checks. Dejoie says a federal program may tide you over till near the end of the year.

Cut 5 (10)  “benefit”

PEUC recipients will continue to receive whatever they would be owed by the state if they were not past their 26-week limit.

Dejoie says if your eligibility is running out and you are able to work a job they’ve got quite a few available.

Cut 6 (11) “…fairs”

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The 2020 Census count is just under a week from its deadline of September 30th and about ten percent of Louisianans have still failed to respond. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is concerned because federal funding is based on the Census count. Nungesser says the last Census failed to get an accurate count so responding now is imperative.

Cut 7 (12) “…accurate count.”

Nungesser says federal funding for schools, hospitals and roads is based on the Census count and with a state hit hard by COVID and hurricanes every person needs to be counted.

Cut 8 (12) “…federal funding”

The Census also determines representation in Congress and is used to draw up state legislative boundaries.

Cut 9 (09) “…can’t afford”

To respond to the Census go to my2020census.gov and if a Census worker comes to your door please assist them. Census workers may also come to your door if you’ve already responded for a count on neighboring households.

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The state Unclaimed Property Program has once again run out of money, the second time that’s happened in the last three years.

State Treasurer John Schroder says the Legislature generally draws about 10-15 million dollars a year out of the program to supplement the budget, but that’s growing less feasible…

Cut 10 (11) “…Money Out.”

Unclaimed property can be everything from payroll checks to old bank accounts, royalties, deposits, interest payments, and more that’s owed to residents and businesses.

Schroder says while this is frustrating it should only delay your claim by a few weeks.

Cut 11 (05) “…to wait.”

The program is about a million and a half dollars shy right now.

There’s a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would block the Legislature from using unclaimed property dollars by turning the program into a trust fund. Schroder would like you to vote for it in November.

Cut 12 (11) “…only”

Since 1973 the trust fund has dispersed over 600 million dollars.

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Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin has come under fire after the state voter registration portal was shut down for “scheduled maintenance” for hours on National Voter Registration Day Tuesday.

New State Democratic Party Chair Katie Bernhardt says that was a huge red flag for voter suppression…

Cut 13 (11) “…suppression”

The site was down from 8 PM to 11:30 PM.

Ardoin called the shutdown an “unfortunate error” and that Tuesday’s maintenance was scheduled long ago. Bernhardt says if that’s the case that kind of oversight was grossly negligent, however…

Cut 14 (08) “pandemic.”

National Voter Registration Day began in 2012 and this year was heavily pushed by both Democrats, Republicans, and independent organizations. In 2018 800,000 new voters were registered on that day.

Bernhardt called the failure and embarrassment, and when asked what should be done in response she says…

Cut 15 (09) “…to vote”

Voter registration is still ongoing and anyone who would like to register, or change their registration has until October 5th to do so by mail or October 13th to do so online for the upcoming November 3rd Presidential Election.

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After two games, Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has completed 65-percent of his passes, which is below his career average of 68-percent. Brees completed at least 70-percent of his passes over his last four seasons. But Coach Sean Payton says the higher percentage of incomplete passes can not be entirely pinned on number nine

Cut 16 (20) “…spacing” 

This Sunday, the Saints host Green Bay and the Packers are 2-0 and Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is off to a great start. Rodgers has thrown six touchdowns passes and zero interceptions. Plus he’s been sacked just one time. Payton says Rodgers is protected by an experienced offensive line

Cut 17 (18) “…might be” 

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Sophomore running back Chris Curry and junior linebacker Damone Clark will wear the coveted number 18 jersey for LSU this season. Number 18 is synonymous with success…both on and off the field, as well as a selfless attitude. Curry, who is expected to get the start on Saturday, says he was shocked when he learned he would wear number 18

Cut 18  (18) “…for the team” 

Clark was a star linebacker at nearby Southern Lab and he has the opportunity to become the next star linebacker at LSU. He says to do it while wearing number is 18 a dream come true…

Cut 19  (22) “…honored”    

 

cut 20 (17) “..at.home”

LRN PM Newscall September 23

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says the November election should not stop President Trump from naming a Supreme Court Justice nominee. Jim Shannon has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…Jim Shannon”  

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The vast majority of Entergy Louisiana customers in southwest Louisiana have now had their power restored. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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A Pineville police officer who alleged Sunday night that he had been ambushed and shot is now under arrest for allegedly shooting himself and then lying about it.

Deputy Chief of Pineville P-D Darrell Basco says the incident was investigated and they now believe Officer John Goulart Jr. filed a false report.

Cut 3 (10)  “shot him”  

The incident occurred behind a shopping center, and Goulart suffered minor injuries and was released from the hospital Monday.

Basco says they’re still piecing together exactly what happened but they’re confident Goulart was lying.

Cut 4 (09)“ office” 

Goulart has been booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center and is on administrative leave.

Basco says the incident is incredibly disappointing.

Cut 5 (13)  “to do ”

CrimeStoppers offered a 5,000 dollar reward for information leading to an arrest in what was initially believed to have been an ambush.

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Democrats say the winner of the November presidential election should be the one who names a new justice to replace the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Supreme Court seat. But Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy says the U-S Constitution says nothing about the electoral calendar

Cut 6 (11)  “…Senate votes”  

The President is expected to announce a nominee on Saturday and hearings could start next month. But Kennedy says the Senate will not rush to hold a confirmation vote before the election

Cut 7 (10)“ …we’re ready” 

Kennedy says as a member of the Judiciary Committee, he’ll judge the nominee on basis of intelligence, temperament and integrity and he’s not looking for a judge to be a politician in robes…

Cut 8 (08)  “…ought to be” 

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Only 2,500 Entergy Louisiana customers in Cameron and Calcasieu parishes remain without power just under a month after Laura devastated southwest Louisiana.

Spokesperson Brandon Scardigli says restoring power to the hard-hit area has been a monumental task.

Cut 9 (10) “…time”

Entergy Louisiana sustained an estimated 1.25 to 1.4 billion dollars in damage to its infrastructure as a result of the storm.

Scardigli says they managed to get power back to 99 percent of their customers by bringing a 13,000 worker strong army into southwest Louisiana.

Cut 10 (09) “…Canada”

About 13,000 total customers remain without power in Cameron and Calcasieu parishes.

Scardigli says those 2,500 customers are scattered throughout the parish and not in just one geographical area. He says they’re mostly homes that were severely damaged.

Cut 11 (09) “…right away”

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During a visit to LSU’s campus, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Doctor Deborah Birx says the changes made to Louisiana’s COVID-19 mitigation measures saved lives. Birx says two and a half months ago, 80-percent of the parishes had over a ten-percent positivity rate on coronavirus tests taken, but there’s been a decline in cases since the mask mandate

Cut 12 (05) “…masks work”

On July 11th, Governor Edwards called for a statewide mask mandate and closed bars. Birx says it’s important these mitigation measures stay in place…

Cut 13 (07) “…discussion”

Since Birx was on the LSU campus, she was asked about the university having 25-thousand fans inside Tiger Stadium this Saturday for the season opener versus Mississippi State. Birx says it’s important that fans stay socially distanced from others and the no tailgating rule is a good one…

Cut 14 (10) “…event”

LRN AM Newscall September 23

A State Trooper who was set to be fired for his role in the death of a black man while in police custody has died from injuries sustained in a single-vehicle car crash. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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400 “mystery seed” specimens were mailed to Louisiana residents two months ago and a carefully analysis of the specimens revealed some good news. Matt Doyle spoke with Ag Commissioner Mike Strain.

Cut 2 (30) “…Matt Doyle” 

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Republicans will attempt to roll back some of Governor Edwards’ public health restrictions in the upcoming special session, but Edwards isn’t sweating it…

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Families whose children receive free or reduced-price lunches in school have only one week left to apply for Pandemic-EBT cards. The cards were authorized to make up for the missed meals children did not receive when schools closed in March. Louisiana Department of Education spokesperson Ted Beasley says families of 500,000 students have applied so far…

Cut 4 (06)“ … the first time” 

Beasley says families of those 264,000 students are leaving a lot of money on the table.

Cut 5 (08)  “dollars”

Beasley says this is money for families that need it most.

Cut 6 (10) “…all day”

To apply go to Louisianabelieves.com.

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State Trooper Chris Hollingsworth, who was set to be fired for his role in the death of a Black man in police custody, has died from injuries sustained in a single-car crash near Monroe. The FBI is investigating whether Hollingsworth and other troopers covered up how Ronald Greene of West Monroe died in May of 2019. President of Metropolitan Crime Commission Rafael Goyeneche says State Police has done a poor job investigating…

Cut 7 (08) “…answers.”

State Police originally reported that Greene died in a high speed chase, but his family says they’ve uncovered evidence that shows Greene may have been assaulted by Troopers who attempted to arrest him. Goyeneche wonders why this new information is coming out over a year later…

Cut 8 (09) “…May 2019 incident”

Multiple media reports say Hollingsworth received a notice of termination a day before he got involved in a single-vehicle wreck. Goyeneche asks why it took 15 months before State Police took action against Hollingsworth…

Cut 9 (09) “…an explanation”

Governor John Bel Edwards said on Tuesday that he has complete confidence in the head of State Police, Colonel Kevin Reeves, as they investigate Greene’s death.

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Officials say over 16,000 “mystery seed” specimens were sent out to residents nationwide two months ago, but they appear to be mostly harmless. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says we still don’t know exactly who sent the mystery seeds to people in the US, UK, and Caribbean, but…

Cut 10 (11) “…seeds.”

That being said Strain says you still shouldn’t handle or plant the seeds and should report receiving any mystery seed packages to Ag and Forestry.

Strain says in Louisiana we’ve received over 400 mystery seed specimens. Nationwide we’ve seen them come in from 44 different countries…

Cut 11 (04) “…identified.”

Strain says the feds are working to make sure something like this never happens again.

Cut 12 (09) “…plants”

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The upcoming special session will see a major debate over the reopening of Louisiana’s economy. Since the summer, many GOP lawmakers have vocally condemned the Governor for acting unilaterally on pandemic restrictions, but Edwards says you can’t manage a public health crisis by committee…

Cut 13 (10) “…council”

A legislative petition circulated early in the summer seeking to override the Governor’s public health emergency but was not successful.

Critics have attacked the Governor for issuing broad statewide orders instead of allowing parishes to set their own criteria for the reopening of businesses. Edwards countered…

Cut 14 (11) “critical.”

One of the most prominent complaints appears to be about limitations of where bars can open and the fact they can only serve until 11 pm. Edwards says if the virus is too prevalent there are some things you just can’t do…

Cut 15 (09) “…the virus”

Bars can only open in parishes with less than a five percent positivity rate, which excludes the vast majority of parishes at this moment.

The special session will kick off Monday and run for 30 days. It will also focus on the depleted unemployment insurance trust fund and Hurricane Laura recovery.

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LSU’s season opener against Mississippi State will certainly feel and sound different on Saturday as Tiger Stadium, which holds 100-thousand fans, will be limited to just 25-thousand because of the coronavirus. But Safety Jacoby Stevens says the smaller crowd will not damper their enthusiasm…

Cut 16 (22) “…upcoming Saturday” 

Saturday also marks Mike Leach’s first game as a head coach in the SEC. His Air Raid offense has been successful at Texas Tech and Washington State and Stevens says Leach knows how to get the most out of his team

Cut 17 (16) “…their potential” 

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There were a lot of heroes in Louisiana Tech’s come from behind one-point win over Southern Miss last Saturday. Freshman linebacker Tyler Grubbs fits that description as he had 16 tackles in his collegiate debut. Coach Skip Holtz compliments Grubbs’ preparation

Cut 18  (30) “…four years” 

The Bulldogs stormed back to beat the Golden Eagles with a reduced roster because of COVID-19. Also Tech didn’t even have many physical practices leading into the game. Holtz says he still can’t believe they won

Cut 19  (29) “…as a coach”    

Louisiana Tech will host Houston Baptist on Saturday. Capacity at Joe Aillet Stadium will be set at 25-percent, 71-hundred available seats and up to one-thousand student tickets. Holtz is looking forward to playing at home

cut 20 (17) “..at.home”

LRN PM Newscall September 22

State lawmakers have called themselves into a special session to debate the governor’s coronavirus restrictions, the unemployment trust fund and Hurricane Laura recovery. Jim Shannon has more from the House Speaker…

Cut 1 (29) “…Jim Shannon”  

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The Main Street Recovery Grant program has obligated more than half of its 275 million dollar fund so far. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Louisiana lawmakers will start a special session on Monday to address the state’s unemployment trust fund that’s running out of money, to discuss Hurricane Laura recovery efforts and debate the governor’s coronavirus executive orders. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says many legislators are concerned with the ongoing COVID restrictions on businesses..

Cut 3 (10)  “…voice in it”  

Edwards says he’s relied on public health experts and the White House Coronavirus Task Force to guide the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. He says there’s evidence the measures they’ve taken are working. But Schexnayder says they are not working for everyone.

Cut 4 (10)“ …that are not” 

Schexnayder says the state’s Unemployment Trust Fund is another major priority. He says in March the fund had one-point-one billion dollars, but now has less than 100-million dollars and when it runs out of money, a higher payroll tax on businesses will kick in…

Cut 5 (11)  “on them ”

The special session will last 30 days and lawmakers can file and consider bills on 70 items.

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The Louisiana Law Enforcement Association says once all of the facts come out, four Shreveport police officers indicted for negligent homicide in the death of a mentally disturbed man will be exonerated. A grand jury handed down the indictments last week and L-L-E-A director Chris Stewart says Caddo District Attorney James Stewart has mismanaged the case

Cut 6 (06)  “…at all”  

James Stewart says 44-year-old Tommie McGlothen’s death in April could have been prevented. There’s video evidence of officers wrestling, hitting and tazing McGlothen, who was then left in the back of a police cruiser for 48-minutes, largely unsupervised. Chris Stewart says the public has an incomplete picture of what happened

Cut 7 (08)“ …right now” 

Because the case has yet to go to trial, Chris Stewart says he can’t provide specific reasons on why the officers will be exonerated, but he’s confident that will be the outcome

Cut 8 (04)  “…vindicated” 

The four officers facing charges are 28-year-old Treona McCarter, 27-year-old Brian Matthew Ross, 27-year-old James LeClare and 25-year-old D’Marea Johnson.

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More than 170 million dollars in Main Street Recovery Grants have been obligated so far from the small business assistance program’s 275-million-dollar fund. 

State Treasurer John Schroder says within that 275-million-dollar program was a promise to dedicate at least 40 million to women, minority, and veteran owned businesses. They’ve hit that mark, and… 

Cut 9 (05) “…dollars”

Businesses with fewer than 50 employees that are headquartered in Louisiana, and who suffered economic losses due to COVID can apply for grants worth up to 15,000 dollars. The average payout per business so far has been over 10,000 dollars.  

There’s some discussion that funds from the program should be reallocated to the dwindling unemployment trust fund, but Schroder believes they’re set to give away the entire pot by the November 4th deadline. 

Cut 10 (08) “…the money”

While 170 million has been obligated to eligible businesses, only about 40 million has been sent out so far.  

Schroder says it’s not too late for your business to apply for the free cash… 

Cut 11 (05) “…thousand”

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Has father time finally caught up to 41-year-old Saints QB Drew Brees? Through two games the legend has looked off, missing throws he used to nail with ease and barely pushing the ball down the field. When asked point-blank about that narrative Brees responded…

Cut 12 (08) “…us win”

Brees passed for 312 yards and one TD with one pick in last night’s 34-24 loss to the Raiders. He had 160 and two TDs in last week’s 34-23 win over the Bucs.

Brees’ “air yards”, the distance his average pass travels before being caught, sits at just 4.8. That’s the lowest of his career through the first two games of a season. Brees says he’s just going to the open man…

Cut 13 (06) “…do it.”

That 4.8 air yards per pass is the lowest of any QB through two games since Brett Favre in 2009. Favre would go on to bounce back and make it to the NFC Championship game, losing to the Saints.

The offense has looked troubled through two games, but Brees says they’ll get the usually prolific outfit back on track…

Cut 14 (05) “…close”  (2x)

According to Football Outsiders, the team’s offensive efficiency rating through two games ranks 12th.

AM LRN Newscall for September 22 ###Final Version###

Beginning today you can visit your loved ones in veterans homes. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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President Trump says he’ll name a replacement for the recently departed Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Saturday, and called for a vote before the November 3rd election. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…Matt Doyle” 

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LSU announces an all-time enrollment record of 34,290 students. Jeff Palermo reports the university is also celebrating a more diverse student body…

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Louisiana veterans homes will begin allowing in-person visits today for the first time since the pandemic began.

Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs spokesperson Brandee Patrick says everyone entering the facilities will be required to mask up and get screened just like the staff does every morning…

Cut 4 (11)“ …given one” 

Homes included in the initial visitation program are in Monroe, Bossier City, Reserve, and Jennings, and the program will only be allowed at facilities that have not had a staff member or resident test positive for 14 days.

For at least the next 28 days visitations will have to happen outdoors and visitors will have to stay six feet away from their loved ones. Patrick says it will likely take place on the spacious patios…

Cut 5 (10)  “areas.”

Patrick says visitations will be conducted Monday through Friday from 9 to 11 AM and 1 to 4 PM, and visitors must call the home to set up a reservation.

Cut 6 (08) “…done.”

The protocol was designed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the CDC.

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President Trump says he will name a replacement for recently deceased Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Friday or Saturday.

The declaration has sparked a firestorm with the Presidential Election just over 40 days away but  ULM Poli Sci Professor John Sutherlin says he expects that nominee won’t be confirmed before November 3rd

Cut 7 (12) “…issue.”

Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell says the upper chamber will move to confirm before the inauguration next year. That’s caused Democrats to cry foul over precedent Senate Republicans set when they blocked President Obama’s nominee in 2016.

Sutherlin says the next justice will almost certainly have to be a woman, and New Orleans native and Federal Appellate Judge Amy Coney Barrett appears to be at the top of the shortlist.

Cut 8 (07) “…judge”

Fox News reports that Mr. Trump has met with Barrett.

The 48-year-old Barrett is a protégée of former Justice Antonin Scalia, and a graduate of Dominican High in New Orleans, and Notre Dame Law School. She was named to the Appellate Court by President Trump in 2017.

A replacement judge for Ginsburg would likely shift the High Court’s balance on issues like the Affordable Care Act and abortion. Sutherlin says Barrett is clear on one of them…

Cut 9 (07) “…Wade”

Democratic leaders have signaled that they’re willing to pull out all the stops to halt the nomination process until after the inauguration, and even threatened to add new seats to the court if a Trump nominee is approved and Democrats win the upcoming election.

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The Saints had a double digit lead in Las Vegas on Monday night, but the Raiders got rolling in their new stadium and defeated New Orleans 34-24. For the second straight week the Saints offense couldn’t get into a  rhythm while the Raiders had the ball for 36-plus minutes. Coach Sean Payton says allowing the Raiders to convert 10-of-17 on third downs hurt

Cut 10 (12) “…as well.”

Raiders Quarterback Derek Carr threw for 282 yards and three touchdowns, while Saints Q-B Drew Brees threw for 312 yards and a touchdown. He was also intercepted once at the end of the second quarter…

Cut 11 (12) “…in person.”

The Saints defense had trouble stopping Raiders tight end Darren Waller, who had 12 catches for 103 yards and one touchdown. Also New Orleans committed ten penalties for 129 yards. Defensive end Cam Jordan says they have a lot to fix before their next game on Sunday against Green Bay…

Cut 12 (12) “…these mistakes”

New Orleans hosts the 2-0 Packers on Sunday night. The Saints are 1-1.

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Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, LSU has set a record for enrollment at 34-thousand students and for the third-straight year, the school has broken a record for the largest and most diverse freshman class in university history. Interim President Tom Galligan says these gains speak to the reputation of LSU…

Cut 13 (12) “…wonderful, wonderful state”

Freshmen enrollment is a record 67-hundred students and Galligan says the freshman class is made up of 17-percent Black students, which is a record and Hispanic students in the freshman class is also a record at nine-percent…

Cut 14 (10) “…welcoming environment.”

LSU has also broken records for retention rate as the first to third-year retention is 75-percent.

LSU has received criticism for its holistic admission approach, which considers a student’s background, the rigor of curriculum they took in high school and life circumstances. Some say the school has lowered its standards, but Galligan says the quality of student entering LSU has not wavered…

Cut 15 (09) “…admissions.”

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Junior Quarterback Myles Brennan will begin the difficult task on Saturday in trying to follow the footsteps of Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow. Brennan will be the starting QB for the reigning national champs when they host Mississippi State. Brennan has been waiting for his opportunity and Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s always believed in the Mississippi native…

Cut 16 (21) “…summertime” 

Burrow benefited by playing with fellow first round picks Justin Jefferson and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. He also had Biletnikoff award winner Ja’Marr Chase. Brennan doesn’t have those weapons, but he will have the opportunity to connect with big tight end Arik Gilbert. Coach Ed Orgeron says Gilbert has drawn comparisons to former Detriot Lions receiver Calvin Johnson…

Cut 17 (20) “…Calvin Johnson” 

LSU’s offense set all kinds of passing records last season. Orgeron says for LSU to have an explosive passing attack again, Brennan needs to make smart decisions with the football…

Cut 18  (16) “…make plays” 

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ULM is off to an 0-2 start after losing to Texas State 38-17 last Saturday. Warhawks Quarterback Colby Suits threw for 377 yards in a loss, but Coach Matt Viator wants a more balanced attack and would like to get the ground game going

Cut 19  (22) “…football better”    

ULM running back Josh Johnson was held to just three yards a carry on 17 attempts last week. The Warhawks are home again this Saturday against UTEP. The Miners from Conference USA are two and one on the season as they have wins over Stephen F Austin and Abilene Christian, but were blown out by Texas. Viator on what UTEP likes to do on defense

cut 20 (13) “…home again”

LRN PM Newscall September 21

State lawmakers could vote as early as today to call themselves into a special session. Jim Shannon on what legislators will consider…

Cut 1 (31) “…Jim Shannon”  

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Louisiana local governments are projected to lose an average of six percent of their expected revenue for the 2021 fiscal year. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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It appears likely that lawmakers will return to Baton Rouge for a special session covering several different issues that would start next Monday.

The vote to enter the session is imminent, and LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says it will cover everything from Hurricane Laura to unemployment, but…

Cut 3 (07)  “…emergency.”  

Alford says a number of Republican lawmakers are not happy with the COVID restrictions still in place, including capacity limits, bar limitations, and the outright closure of some businesses.

A petition to roll back the public health emergency failed, and Alford says Legislative attempts to override the Governor’s order will be tough to pull off…

Cut 4 (06)“ …possible” 

Initially, it was thought an October special session would be called to allocate potential Congressional relief money, but Alford says those D.C. negotiations have stalled and lawmakers may have to return to Baton Rouge in December for another special session if those funds get passed.

Alford says even if Republicans manage to file an effort to override his public health emergency many lawmakers feel the issue will have to be settled in court.

Cut 5 (11)  “inherent ”

Alford says it is likely the session would begin September 28th and run 30 days.

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Pineville Police say one of its officers was shot last night in the leg behind a shopping center in what authorities are calling a police ambush. Deputy Chief of Pineville P-D Darrell Basco says the wounded officer heard two gunshots shortly after he exited his police cruiser

Cut 6 (08)  “…and released”  

Basco says the second shot hit the rear door of the police car. He says Crimestoppers has offered a five-thousand-dollar reward for information

Cut 7 (10)“ …the area” 

Basco says the officer was on routine patrol when the shooting occurred near the intersection of Military Highway and Donahue Ferry Road. He says they are not sure if this was a planned attack

Cut 8 (11)  “…right now.”

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Most of south Louisiana is under a flash flood watch until Wednesday night as Tropical Storm Beta is expected to produce several inches of rain in the Bayou State. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the rain will be on and off for the new few days

Cut 9 (09) “…four days”

Keim says if you are tired of the hot weather there is some good news. He says the rainfall and cloud cover will hold down the high temperatures…

Cut 10 (11) “…low 80s”

Tropical Storm Beta is a slow mover and after making landfall in Texas, it’s expected to move northeast and the center of the storm will be in central Louisiana as a depression on Thursday morning.

Keim says as long as Beta doesn’t produce huge amounts of rain over a short period of time, Louisiana should be able to handle its rainfall

Cut 11 (11) “…accommodate rain ”

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Louisiana local governments are expected to see a 714 million-dollar decline in revenues for the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years combined due to COVID and Laura.

Legislative Auditor economist Ed Seyler says local governments are heavily dependent on sales taxes which have seen major reductions due to mandatory business closures and mass layoffs…

Cut 12 (08) “…taxes”

For the 2021 fiscal year, the expected total revenue loss sits just under six percent for local governments statewide.

Hurricane ravaged Cameron and Calcasieu are expected to see a 17 and 10 percent drop in 2021 revenue respectively. Seyler says there’s a chance though that storm repair could soften the blow…

Cut 13 (08) “…jobs.”

Other parishes seeing the largest declines in fiscal year 2021 are Orleans at 13 percent, Jefferson and Natchitoches at eight percent, and St. John, St. Tammany, and Beauregard at six percent.

Seyler says the numbers were compiled by the Auditor’s office into a report you can find on their website. He says the numbers are troubling…

Cut 14 (07) “…Louisiana.”

An optimistic projection estimates a loss of only 523 million during those years, while a more pessimistic projection pegs it at 860 million.

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LRN Newscall September 21

State employer payroll taxes are likely to go up and unemployment benefits likely to go down next year due to the depleted state unemployment trust fund…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The state is working to implement new federal guidelines to allow visitations at nursing homes. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (31) “…Brooke Thorington” 

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Four Shreveport cops are indicted on negligent homicide charges in the April death of a 44-year-old mentally ill man. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Researchers at Baton Rouge General say a taste test may predict how vulnerable a person is to severe illness from COVID-19. Doctor Henry Barham, a rhinologist, says they have found that people who have trouble detecting certain bitter flavors are at a higher risk for developing more symptoms…

Cut 4 (08)“ …would do” 

The loss of taste and smell are hallmark symptoms of COVID-19 patients.

Barham says their initial study involved 100 people who had COVID. He says the second study that’s ongoing involves five-thousand people as they try to determine if a taste test can predict COVID-19 severity…

Cut 5 (09)  “…on now.”

Barham also notes that as people get older they lose the ability to taste as well…

Cut 6 (11) “…the big one.”

Barham says even if you test out as a “supertaster” you should still get the vaccine once it becomes available.

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The unemployment trust fund has dropped below 100 million dollars and that will likely mean reduced benefits for recipients and higher taxes on businesses next year. Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Dejoie says if the trust fund is below 100 million in 2021, the maximum weekly benefit will drop to 221 dollars from the current 247 dollars, but…

Cut 7 (04) “…benefits.”

Dejoie says when it comes to higher taxes on employers each employer has their own experience rating with the trust fund so…

Cut 8 (09) “…significantly.”

Dejoie says because of the dual-threat to both the unemployed and employers it’s vital that Congress include unemployment trust fund relief in the next pandemic relief bill.

Cut 9 (09) “…COVID”

The Revenue Estimating Conference meeting is set to meet September 30th to discuss and verify the status of the trust fund.

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Governor John Bel Edwards says the state is implementing new federal guidelines that lifts the ban on nursing home visits. State Director of the Louisiana AARP Denise Botcher says new guidance from the feds allows nursing homes to conduct outdoor visitation with social distancing…

Cut 10 (10) “…to Louisiana families.”

In addition to outdoor visits, nursing homes in parishes with no more than 10 percent test positivity and without any new onset of COVID cases in the last 14 days can allow indoor visitation.

Botcher says the inability to visit in person has been a difficult period for families when phone calls and virtual visits have been the only option.

Cut 11 (12) “…in person.”

Botcher says visitors will be required to wear face coverings, wash their hands, and social distance.

Cut 12 (06) “…one time.”

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A Caddo Parish grand jury indicts four Shreveport cops on negligent homicide charges linked to the April death of a mentally ill man, 44-year-old Tommie McGlothen Jr. Officers arrested McGlothen April 5th and after McGlothen was handcuffed video revealed that he was severely beaten and tased, and left for 48 minutes without aid. Family attorney James Carter…

Cut 13 (11) “…beat him.”

Video shows McGlothen, apparently handcuffed, on the ground resisting while officers beat him with a baton, kicked him, punched him, and tased him as he screams. After no longer moving the beating continues, and he is then stood upon his knees and kicked into the ground, lifted back up, and slammed into a squad car.

McGlothen was in an altercation with a homeowner when officers arrived, and Carter says police were well aware of his condition due to incidents from earlier that day…

Cut 14 (09) “…unfortunate.”

A coroner’s report showed McGlothen had a broken nose, jaw, and heavily swollen face after the encounter. The report also came to the conclusion that McGlothen’s death was likely preventable, although not the direct result of the beating, but of “Excited Delirium”.

Carter says it’s unconscionable that police would beat Mr. McGlothen so severely, and then just leave him handcuffed in the back of a car…

Cut 15 (07) “…to happen.”

Treona McCarter, Brian Ross, D’Marea Johnson, and James LeClare were also charged with malfeasance. Police Chief Ben Raymond has declined comment on the indictments.

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The Saints will look to improve to 2-0 tonight when they face the Raiders in their new stadium in Las Vegas. New Orleans All Pro receiver Michael Thomas will not play because of a high ankle sprain. Quarterback Drew Brees says the Black and Gold have a next man up mentality

Cut 16 (14) “…do have” 

Tight end Jared Cook agrees it’s next man up….

Cut 17 (16) “…about that” 

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The 19th ranked Ragin Cajuns rallied back from a two touchdown deficit to beat Georgia State 34-31 in overtime to improve to 2-0. Elijah Mitchell rushed for 164 yards and two touchdowns to help spark the comeback. Coach Billy Napier says they needed Mitchell, because overall they were not consistent enough on offense

Cut 18  (17) “…play better” 

Quarterback Levi Lewis threw for 279 yards and two touchdowns, but he was also intercepted twice. The Cajuns were also just 3 of 14 on third downs and allowed 223 yards rushing. But Napier says the most important thing is that they are 2-0

Cut 19  (19) “…the most”    

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Louisiana Tech was without six starters and 20 players from their two-deep because of COVID-19, but still rallied back from a 17-point deficit in the third quarter to beat Conference USA rival Southern Miss 31-30. The Bulldogs scored the game tying touchdown in the final seconds and added the extra point for the win. Coach Skip Holtz says he’ll never forget this victory

cut 20 (20) “…competed tonight”

LRN PM Newscall September 18

CBS’s 60 Minutes will showcase LSU’s Coach Ed Orgeron on Sunday night to a nationwide audience. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

Under an election plan the state was ordered to follow by a federal judge it is unlikely we will know the results of the November 3rd election that night…

cut 2 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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A Tropical Depression in the southern Gulf of Mexico is close to tropical storm strength and there’s a chance it could become a hurricane late Sunday night, early Monday morning. National Weather Service Meteorologist Donald Jones says there’s not a lot of confidence in the forecast track

Cut 3 (12)  “…few days.”  

The current forecast track shows the system crawling up the Texas coastline towards Louisiana as a tropical storm.

Jones says the system is disorganized and moving slowly…

Cut 4 (11)“ …end up” 

Once it reaches tropical storm strength, it will be called Tropical Storm Beta as we’ve reached the Greek Alphabet for named storms. Jones says the winds in the central Gulf of Mexico that would direct the storm are very weak…

Cut 5 (12)  “few days ”

_________________

Coach Ed Orgeron will get the national spotlight when the LSU coach’s story is told on Sunday night on CBS’s 60 minutes.  Special assistant to the head coach Derek Ponamsky says production was originally set to take place in March with spring practice but got pushed back to the summer due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cut 6 (11)  “…dealing with COVID.”  

Ponamsky says not only will viewers get a more personal look at Coach O, but they’ll get to meet his mother, Coco.

Cut 7 (13)“ …for the viewer.” 

Ponamsky says between this feature on 60 minutes and his new book Flip the Script that will be coming out in a few weeks, LSU fans will get a better idea of the inner workings of Coach O.

Cut 8 (10)  “…these two things.”

60 Minutes airs Sunday night at 6:30 on CBS.

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Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin warns under the election plan the state was ordered to adopt by a federal judge it is unlikely we will know the full results of the November 3rd election until the next day.

The order calls for Louisiana to adopt the election plan used in the summer. Ardoin says that will likely mean a significant increase in absentee ballots.

Cut 9 (12) “…strange times”

The summer plan allowed people to request absentee ballots if they or someone in their household were high-risk COVID individuals, or if they were diagnosed with, or feeling symptoms of COVID-19.

Battleground states are moving to expansive absentee ballot programs, making it also unlikely we’ll know who the next President is November 3rd. Ardoin explains why…

Cut 10 (09) “…process”

Less than one percent of all voters in the summer elections utilized COVID-excuse absentee ballot forms.

Ardoin says while the delay is unfortunate he’d rather report accurate results than fast results.

Cut 11 (04) “…election.”

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August revenues for Louisiana’s riverboat casinos and one land-based casino were down 31% compared to August 2019.  Every casino took in less money than August 2019 with only one taking in more than July 2020, El Dorado Resort in Shreveport.  Louisiana Casino Association executive director Wade Duty…

Cut 12 (10) “…in gaming revenue.”

Harrah’s in New Orleans was down 9% from July to August and 49% from August 2019.

Duty says moving Phase Three really didn’t move numbers into the green either, as Phase Two restrictions remained in place for casinos.

Cut 13 (11) “…hours of service.”

Future revenues face additional hurdles as Hurricane Laura rocked the Lake Charles gaming industry. Duty says Isle of Capri will be offline for an extended period because of damage to their facility.  Others have reopened, but face staffing issues due to displacement.

Cut 14 (12) “…other support services.”

AM Newscall 09/17/20

Bars in a limited number of parishes have begun inviting patrons back for the first time in months. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________

Two of the best to ever play football in the Bayou State will be enshrined into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The Department of Children and Family Services so far a little over 60,000 have applied for DSNAP in the areas impacted by Hurricane Laura. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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The state is seeing cooler and dryer air as a cold front sweeps across Louisiana and high pressure from Canada has taken control of the weather across the eastern United States.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says summer weather is not over with yet, but this is a welcomed break.

Cut 4 (12)“ …in the 80s.” 

Keim says this weather pattern will also come with very low humidity with dew points in the low 60s for the most part.

Cut 5 (08)  “…be absolutely fantastic.”

Keim says it isn’t all good news as there is tropical depression 22 has formed in the southwestern Gulf.  Early models indicate the storm could hit south Texas.

Cut 6 (11) “…the next week.”

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The first bars have begun reopening in select Louisiana parishes that have less than a five percent positivity rate on COVID tests.

City Bar in Crowley opened up Wednesday night. Owner Chad Monceaux (mon-so) says he’s been getting calls from antsy patrons ready to return to their favorite watering hole.

Cut 7 (09) “…good stuff.”

About seven parishes have so far have been permitted by the state to reopen bars.

Under Phase Three bars that can open must do table service and limit indoor capacity to 25 percent. Governor Edwards has warned Phase Three could last months and Monceaux worries about what that could mean…

Cut 8 (11) “…families.”

Monceaux has accumulated 40,000 dollars of debt to keep the business running since the shutdowns were first ordered in March.

Edwards issued an order yesterday allowing businesses to serve alcohol until 11 PM, up from 10 PM, but Monceaux says that’s still a problem…

Cut 9 (07) “…*laughs*”

Monceaux also noted there is conflicting information between various state agencies as to when you are allowed to begin serving.

_______________________________________

The 2021 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame induction class features one of the best receivers to play for the Saints, LSU’s most decorated player on defense, and a college basketball legend. Hall of Fame Chairman Doug Ireland says the Saints all-time leading receiver Marques Colston will be enshrined in June…

Cut 10 (10) “…in New Orleans.”

Also going into the Hall from the gridiron is former LSU defensive tackle Glen Dorsey, who helped lead the Tigers to a 2007 national championship. Ireland says Dorsey was a two-time All-American and named SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

Cut 11 (09) “…senior year.”

Former LSU basketball star Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf is also part of the 2021 class. Ireland says the high-scoring guard for the Tigers was the SEC player of the year as a freshman and sophomore

Cut 12 (11) “…college basketball.”

Former LSU track and field coach Pat Henry, former Southern star and MLB infielder Rickie Weeks, former Nicholls softball pitcher Courtney Blades-Rogers, former Richwood football coach Mackie Freeze and 1980 Bassmaster Classic Champion Bo Dowden of Natchitoches are the other 2021 inductees.

____________________________________________________

The Department of Children and Family Services receives federal approval to operate a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in three more parishes, including Caddo, LaSalle, and St. Landry.  DCFS Assistant Secretary of Family Support Shavana Howard says so far a little over 60,000 have applied for DSNAP.

Cut 13 (04) “…40,000 applications.”

The new additions bring the total number of parishes eligible for DSNAP to 21.

So far, $12 million has been paid out in DSNAP benefits, but Howard says they expected another 100,000 to apply for the assistance in impacted areas.

Cut 14 (09) “…in and apply.”

Depending on their situation, those eligible families could be leaving lots of available assistance on the table.

Cut 15 (08) “…assistance that’s available.”

Step-by-step instructions on how to apply can be found at dcfs.la.gov/DSNAP.

___________________________

ULM hosts their first home game of the season Saturday night with Sunbelt rival Texas State rolling into north Louisiana.

ULM Athletic Director Scott McDonald says fans will be there to cheer on the Warhawks, but they’re expected to be on their best COVID-mitigating behavior…

Cut 16 (16) “…others” 

ULM opened the season with a tough 37-7 road loss against Army last weekend.

So what can we expect attendance to be?

Cut 17 (13) “…football” 

Tailgating is banned, and the band, spirit groups, and cheerleaders won’t be on the field for the contest, they’ll have to stay up in the stands. After the game ends and the teams leave they’ll be allowed onto the field to perform.

There was a time when it looked like all of college football would be canceled, and McDonald says just getting to this point has been a real challenge…

Cut 18  (15) “…play  

This weekend’s game will be the first college football game to be played in Louisiana with fans.

________________________________________________________

After having last week’s game postponed because of a COVID-19 outbreak within the team, La Tech will open the season tomorrow night at Conference USA foe Southern Miss. The Bulldogs are expected to play two quarterbacks, Aaron Allen and Luke Anthony. Tech also has new offensive and defensive coordinators. Even Head Coach Skip Holtz is not sure what we’ll see

Cut 19  (18) “…everybody else”     

Southern Miss has played a game as they lost to South Alabama in their season opener. But following the game 5th year head coach Jay Hopson resigned and receivers coach Scotty Walden took over as interim head coach. Holtz doesn’t expect Walden to make drastic changes to what Southern Miss likes to do

cut 20 (19) “…they have”

LRN PM Newscall September 17

7,600 unemployment claimants received notices that they’d been overpaid due to a technical error with a Louisiana Workforce Commission vendor. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

____________________________

Haunted Houses will need to request special permission to open this year in order to operate under COVID restrictions. Matt Doyle spoke with the State Fire Marshal Butch Browning

cut 2 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

A technical issue resulted in 76-hundred unemployment claimants receiving an erroneous message claiming they owed overpayment money to the state and feds.

Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Dejoie says they are working with their vendor to resolve the issue and claimants do not need to get involved.

Cut 3 (07)  “…contend with.”  

The error resulted in some receiving requests for over ten thousand dollars of back payments.

The overpayment notices were generated last week and sent to beneficiaries who made their claims on March 29th and 30th. Dejoie says claimants did not make a mistake…

Cut 4 (05)“ …apologize.” 

Dejoie says they worked fast to fix the problem…

Cut 5 (12)  “correction.”

If you’ve been impacted by this technical error and have questions you are encouraged to email LWC.

_________________

Hurricane Laura had a substantial effect on the agriculture industry and Monroe pecan farmer Abraham Lincoln says his nuts were severely impacted.  Lincoln says while there are still some nuts in the trees, there aren’t enough to make it beyond his local customers.

Cut 6 (08) “…nuts for that.”

The damage to the nuts is even more detrimental since this year appeared to be a promising harvest.

Lincoln says on a good year, his operation will move about 3 million pounds of nuts, but this year, he anticipates it will be closer to a quarter-million pounds.

Cut 7 (05) “…on the ground.”

Nuts that were knocked out of trees are not salvageable.

Lincoln says he invested extra care into the crop that would have been harvested by the first of October.

Cut 8 (13) “…what it was.”

Louisiana isn’t the only state to see its pecan crops negatively impacted by hurricanes.  Georgia is the nation’s largest pecan producer and they’ve been impacted by Hurricane Sally.

________________________

Haunted Houses will be allowed to open this year but under strict permitting requirements and pandemic health restrictions.

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says only 50 people total will be allowed in the building…

Cut 9 (11) “…escort”

Due to these restrictions, haunted houses will not be able to be used as venues for other entertainment until the house ceases operation.

Browning says because of how COVID spreads the houses will only be allowed to take groups through six people at a time.

Cut 10 (12) “…report”

Requirements like mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing between groups from different households will also be in effect. Browning says each facility will have guidelines to follow.

Cut 11 (06) “…threat.”

To open each facility will have to check in with the state on OpenSafely.la.gov to get guidance on what they need to do to begin.

_______________________

Utility provider B-E-C-i says they’ve restored power to 60-percent of their membership as power has nearly been restored to all of their customers in Vernon and Rapides Parishes. Spokesperson Danielle Tilley says getting the lights on for the rest of their members who are out will not be easy

Cut 12 (12) “…takes some time.”

Following the storm, the initial estimate was that full restoration could take four to five weeks.

Cut 13 (04) “…in that estimate.”

Others that may not have power restored by the end of September may have too much damage to their structure to receive power.  Tilley says in addition to the over 100 employees working in their offices, they still have plenty of boots on the ground to finish the job.

Cut 14 (07) “…area working hard.”