BESE formally adopts a list of minimum safety standard recommendations like mandatory face coverings and busing policy for schools to implement before classes begin. Matt Doyle covered the meeting…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry issues a legal opinion that says Governor  Edwards order that requires maks, closes bars and limits crowd sizes is likely unconstitutional and unenforceable. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education adopts a list of minimum safety standards that schools will be called on to implement to reopen safely. The recommendations range from mandatory face coverings to group size maximums. Children’s Hospital Chief Quality Officer Dr. Leron Finger says if schools follow these rules…

Cut 3 (11)  “…to school.”  

The recommendations also require teachers to be provided with hygienic supplies, limits on bus capacity, COVID symptom monitoring, and the recommendations could expand or shrink depending on what happens with the virus.

Parents, teachers unions, and even a board member raised concerns about whether physical classes should resume, but Ochsner Pediatrics Chair Dr. William Lennarz says current data suggests the risk is low.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…sick”

BESE has no enforcement power to make districts follow the guidelines, but State Superintendent Cade Brumley says districts that choose not to would lose liability protection against COVID civil lawsuits.

Some spoke out against the recommendations, including Tangipahoa Parish School Board Member Brett Duncan who says he supports many of the standards, but…

Cut 5 (10)  “…skills.”

Several school districts have already decided to delay the start of school.

______________________

The Louisiana Department of Revenue says a state computer network connectivity problem created issues earlier today with the website where front-line workers can apply for a 250-dollar “hazard pay” check. Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson says the Office of Technology Services noticed the problem this morning…

Cut 6 (08) “…connectivity issues”

At around 2:00 this afternoon the web page was back up and accepting applications.

Frontlineworkers.la.gov began accepting applications at midnight and by seven AM they accepted more than 14-thousand applications. Robinson says they have funding available for 200-thousand applicants…

Cut 7 (07) “October 31st”

Robinson says the technical issue is also impacting those who are trying to file their state income taxes on the Lousiana Taxpayer Access Point portal, which is why they’ve pushed the state tax deadline to file taxes to Friday. The secretary hopes the technical issues have been resolved.

Cut 8 (05) “…this morning”

_______________________

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies are searching for a Lake Charles man who authorities say fatally two people and left a third-person fighting for her life at a home in Westlake. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says his deputies were called to the home around 4AM after 51-year-old Neil Broussard fled the scene.

Cut 9 (11) “…shot multiple times.”

One of the deceased has been identified as 17-year-old Kyla Hidalgo and the 18-year-old male victim has not been named.  The third victim, 40-year-old Catherine Hidalgo was shot multiple times and is currently hospitalized.

Broussard, who authorities call a family acquaintance, is also accused of stealing Catherine’s car and kidnapping her 14-year-old daughter.

Mancuso says the agency is currently searching a wooded area in Beauregard Parish with the help from the FBI, State Police, and other agencies.

Cut 10 (10) “…safe, thank goodness.”

Mancuso says if anyone knows the whereabouts of Broussard, they should call 911 and not attempt to approach him as he is considered armed and dangerous.

Cut 11 (10) “…as of yet.”

Broussard was previously convicted of molestation of a juvenile, one count in 2005 and two counts in 2011.

_________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards announces the state has surpassed one million COVID-19 tests administered to residents since March. Edwards says Louisiana is testing at one of the highest levels of any state

Cut 12 (10) “…as well.”

The state reported two-thousand new coronavirus cases today, bringing the total to 84-thousand. The death toll also increased by 14 to 3,351.

The governor says testing, contact tracing, and reasonable regulations like mask wearing for people eight and older while in public can reduce the spread of the coronavirus…

Cut 13 (09) “…the masks.” 

A statewide mask mandate went into effect Monday and bars are also closed, except for curbside pickup. White House coronavirus response coordinator Deborah Birx says you should not have large gatherings at your house either…

Cut 14 (06) “…you have”

School districts that refuse to implement BESE’s minimum requirements for reopening like the mask mandate could get sued. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

Eligible Louisiana frontline workers can apply for a $250 COVID-19 rebate beginning today. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________________________

Vice President Mike Pence continued to hammer the fact that kids need to be back in the classroom on schedule for the fall semester during Tuesday’s visit to Baton Rouge. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

______________________________

The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has approved a list of public health rules for public schools to safely reopen and it calls for masks inside the classroom.  The Governor signed legislation giving schools protection from COVID-related suits, but State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says that protection can be lost if they reject BESE’s guidelines.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…ability.”

The adopted minimum safety standard approved by BESE means every adult and student over 3^rd grade must be masked up while on school grounds.

Not everyone is happy about the mandate. Louisiana parent Melissa Berry that masks are a hindrance to education.

Cut 5 (09)  “…taught.”

State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter says without mitigation measures like the mask mandate student’s return to school won’t last long.

Cut 6 (13) “…closures.”

__________________

The Louisiana Department of Revenue begins accepting applications for a rebate available to front line essential employees today.  Secretary of Revenue Kimberly Robinson says there is a broad range of eligible Louisiana residents can apply for the $250 COVID-19 rebate.

Cut 7 (12) “…did the work.”

Applications can be submitted online at FrontlineWorkers.la.gov or can be done by mail with a printable form found on the website.

Robinson says workers would have to have worked at least 200 hours from March 22 through May 14 in an eligible position.

Cut 8 (11) “…the prior year.”

Robinson says submitted info will then be verified through tax records and the Workforce Commission.

Cut 9 (11) “…paper check issued.”

_______________

On a day when Louisiana reported 22-hundred more coronavirus cases, Vice President Mike Pence expressed confidence that the state will slow down the spread of the virus. Pence encouraged Louisiana residents to listen to the guidance from state officials and that means wearing a mask in public…

Cut 10 (08) “…do it again.”

Pence flew into Baton Rouge Tuesday morning and held a roundtable discussion at LSU’s Tiger Stadium that included Governor Edwards, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and higher education leaders. The V-P stressed the importance of getting kids  back in the classroom

Cut 11 (12) “…reopen their schools.”

Members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation were also on hand. Congressman Steve Scalise also discussed the importance of getting kids back in the classroom

Cut 12 (12) “…in school.” 

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron also participated in the roundtable discussion and said the United States needs a 2020 college football season. Pence agrees…

Cut 13 (12) “…love football” 

__________________

Today should wrap up the state’s current run of excessive temps.  Heat indexes have been between 105 and 115 over the last few days.  State Climatologist Barry Keim warns that heat index values in this range can be extremely dangerous.

Cut 14 (09) “…particularly heat sensitive.”

Keim says by the time tomorrow rolls around, the temps and heat index should become a little bit more seasonable as a very persistent heatwave spanning from Louisiana to Arizona begins to weaken and the state will go back to more typical kinds of weather.

Cut 15 (12) “…half a notch.” 

Keim says Louisiana is basically at the climatic peak in terms of temps and heat index values.

Cut 16 (07) “…smart about it.” 

An online survey of nearly 15-thousand parents and teachers finds 58-percent of them are not comfortable sending their children back to the classroom. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

____________________________

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has tested positive for the coronavirus. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (26) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

Louisiana Lottery launches a smartphone app.  Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says the app will help make lottery transactions easier and contactless.

Cut 3 (07)  “…print the ticket.”  

Those digital play slips can be created with various number selection methods and saved until a player visits a retailer.

While tickets will not be able to be purchased on the phone, Chopin says the app adds more convenience in allowing players to manage their lottery play on their phone as they can also use the app to find out if you have a winning ticket.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…lot more transparency.”

Chopin says the app has been in the works for a while but says that the app’s ability to reduce the amount of contact between lottery retail workers and players make this app more needed than ever.

Cut 5 (10)  “…more relevant now.”

The app is available now and is free for iPhone and Android device users.

______________________

The Louisiana Federation of Teachers says 58-percent of teachers and parents who participated in their online survey do not feel comfortable returning to school next month. L-F-T president Larry Carter says certain precautions and mandates need to be in place to create a safe environment

Cut 6 (10) “…rights”

Carter says federal and state governments have not done enough to make sure schools can reopen safely

Cut 7 (10) “gear in school.”

Carter is pushing the U-S Senate to approve the Heroes Act. The teachers union says that legislation would provide 1.5 billion dollars to Louisiana to help implement the COVID safety protocols.

Nearly 15-thousand people responded to the survey on L-F-T’s website. 64-hundred of the respondents identified themselves as an employee of a school system. Carter says 45-percent of those individuals say they prefer to work from home given the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic

Cut 8 (11) “…that’s safe”

_______________________

Cleco announces customers who’ve had trouble paying their energy bills can get an installment plan to pay their past due amounts back over up to 18 months.

Spokesperson Fran Phoenix says this offer is good for payments due from March through July 16^th, and if accepted will be added to your monthly bill as an installment.

Cut 9 (11) “…challenges”

Phoenix explains how this would work for the average customer who has had to miss a few payments due to recent financial difficulties.

Cut 10 (12) “   months” 

More details on the long-term payment plan can be found on the Cleco website.

The Public Service Commission gave companies the ability to begin disconnection procedures for non-payment July 16^th but Phoenix says Cleco won’t begin until September 1^st.

Cut 11 (10) “…fees.”

Starting September 30^th Cleco will also cease reimbursement for the two-dollar fifty-cent credit card fee charge for paying bills.

_________________________________________________________

Vice President Mike Pence’s first stop in Louisiana today was to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness building in Baton Rouge. Pence thanked the federal and state workers who have put in long hours and he says the Trump administration stands ready to assist

Cut 12 (06) “…the past.”

Pence says this is a serious time as the state reported 22-hundred new cases today and hospitalizations rose by 54. He says the White House is making sure the state has what it needs

Cut 13 (10) “…Louisaina.” 

Senator John Kennedy says Louisiana has received 60 cases of remedsivir this week. Doctors are using this drug to treat hospitalized coronavirus patients. Kennedy says Pence has been both a rock and rock star during this experience…

Cut 14 (12) “…his composure”

Kennedy also spoke to emergency responders at GOHSEP. He expressed the need to get public schools open again…

Cut 15 (12) “     …their lives” 

Kennedy says only 30 children in the U-S under the age of 15 have died from COVID-19, which shows children are not as susceptible.

Vice President Mike Pence visits Baton Rouge this afternoon. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_____________________________________

After 19 years in office Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo is unseated by Independent Friday Ellis. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

It’s questionable whether high school football will be played this fall. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

______________________________

Vice President Mike Pence visits with Governor John Bel Edwards in Baton Rouge today.   Edwards says the visit comes following the selection of Baton Rouge as one of the three metropolitan areas in the nation to be selected to receive federal resources for surge testing.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…of that radar.”

The Governor and the VP will meet with education and health officials as well as members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation concerning the state’s response to the pandemic.

Edwards and Pence will also take part in a roundtable discussion at Tiger Stadium with higher education leaders to discuss college sports as well as the fall reopening plans.

Cut 5 (11)  “…perhaps distance learning.”

Edwards says the success of LSU’s football team may have also contributed to motivating the VP to make the trip to the Bayou State.

Cut 6 (10) “…that fine university.”

__________________

Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo loses his reelection effort, ending a 19 year run in the office.

Mayo began his time in public office back in 1995 when he won City Council seat. He was named interim Mayor in 2001, leading to him winning a special election for the seat and maintaining it until this year. He says it’s a disappointing loss, but…

Cut 7 (12) “…years”

The Democrat also had two unsuccessful bids for Congressional seats.

The Mayor says he’s proud of the progress the city made in his term. He pointed out over 2,000 businesses have been added since he was first elected, and the city’s books were set straight.

Cut 8 (10) “…A minus”

Projections estimate the city has lost about three percent of its population in the last ten years.

Friday Ellis, an Independent, won 52 percent of the vote while Mayo received 38 percent in a 41 percent turnout election. We asked Mayo what he thought was behind the loss…

Cut 9 (11) “…ideas.”

Ellis is listed as white on the Secretary of State’s website. 63 percent of voters in the Mayor’s race were black.

_______________

Deep discussions about mask usage are expected out of today’s meeting of the state’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education concerning the strategy behind a safe reopening of schools next month.  BESE President Sandy Holloway says tomorrow will be a formative meeting in recommendations issued to districts.

Cut 10 (10) “…not quite sure.”

Lawmakers tasked BESE with the responsibility to establish minimum standards for students, teachers, and staff on school property during the special session.  Holloway said during a meeting of the House Education Committee, there will likely be a discussion of how to handle those that are not in mask compliance.

Cut 11 (09) “…walk through this.”

Holloway says they are abiding by the Governor’s recommendations and will expect districts to follow localized recommendations as well.

Cut 12 (07) “…that particular mandate.” 
___________________________________

State and federal personal, partnership, and corporate income tax returns for 2019 are due Wednesday.

The original due dates were in April and May, but Louisiana Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson says the pandemic inspired the state and feds to push it back two to three months.

Cut 13 (12) “….15th” 

Robinson says they still have a fair number of returns that have not been filed yet, and that many people took advantage of the extended deadline, and with good reason.

Cut 14 (11) “…tax day”

Robinson says if you still need extra time you can file for an extension. She says that extends the requirement to file the return, but…

Cut 15 (10) “….outstanding” 

Robinson says the turnaround for getting tax returns is right in line with the three to four-week wait you’d expect from the usual tax season despite COVID impacting the Department’s operations.

____________________________

For high school football to happen, Louisiana will need to reach Phase 4. That’s according to LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine who appeared before the House Education Committee. Rosepine Representative Charles Owen says the stark reality is that Louisiana must do a better job at mitigating the coronavirus spread…

Cut 16 (10) “…another direction” 

The state is currently is stuck in phase two, after reporting 17-hundred new cases on Monday. Bonine was asked during the committee meeting about the potential of flipping spring and fall sports, so football can be played in 2021…

Cut 17  (10) “…presently” 

According to the LHSAA guidelines, the only two sports that can compete against other schools in Phase Two are cross country and swimming. Basketball, soccer, and wrestling all need to be in phase four too. Volleyball can hold competitive matches in phase three. Bonine says if some athletic events are able to proceed, they might do so without fans, but that creates other problems

Cut 18  (12) “…the gate”   

How will the state enforce its new mask mandate? Kevin Barnhart has the details…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley provides the House Education Committee with the guidelines on reopening schools safely. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

Governor Edwards’ statewide mask mandate is now in effect.  The new order comes following the state reporting some of the highest new daily case counts of the pandemic.  Edwards says the timing of when mask-wearing is required is clear.

Cut 3 (05)  “…distant from others..”  

The order comes with a few exemptions from wearing a mask, including people with certain medical conditions. Edwards says he is relying on businesses to help with encouraging individuals to mask up.

Cut 4 (07)_ “…they are trespassing.”

Edwards says he knows that the mask mandate will be controversial, but adds that he believes in the people of Louisiana to be resilient.

Cut 5 (12)  “…me, criticize me.”

Only three parishes are exempt from the mandate due to the per capita infection rate, but mask-wearing is still very much encouraged.  Grant, Red River, and West Feliciana parishes have fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 people.

______________________

Opponents of the Governor’s statewide mask mandate say Governor Edwards should not have the authority to make decisions like this by himself.

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick is a signee of a Legislative effort to suspend the Governor’s public health emergency declaration. He says Edwards’ order is an attack on liberty.

Cut 6 (10) “…rights”

McCormick says the Governor should not have the authority to make such an important decision unilaterally.

Cut 7 (08) “people.”

McCormick says lawmakers have tried to discuss their concerns with the Governor, but he won’t talk with them and doesn’t give them a heads up to lawmakers when decisions are made.

Cut 8 (08) “…Governor”

_______________________

State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley tells the House Education Committee that reopening schools next month during a pandemic will be a monumental task, but they’ve provided local school systems with guidance on how it can be done. Brumley says it all starts with good hygiene

Cut 9 (10) “…possible”

Brumley says they are also recommending face masks for students in grades three through 12. Students in lower grades will be with one teacher throughout the day and kids will not be allowed to sit together on a bus. Brumley says one positive coronavirus case will not shut down a school, but several cases could lead to a temporary closure

Cut 10 (07) “   through this” 

Schools have been closed to in-classroom instruction since Governor Edwards shut down campuses last March. Brumley admits the long time away from the classroom has produced some level of learning loss

Cut 11 (11) “…and math.”

_________________________________________________________

The Lake Charles region has fewer than two dozen ICU beds available as the area has been slammed by rising COVID-19 cases. Region Five Regional Public Health Medical Director Lacey Cavanaugh says 67 of their 89 ICU beds are in use…

Cut 12 (11) “…shortages.”

Lake Charles, Jefferson Davis, and Cameron Parish all have a COVID incident rate of over 240 per 100,000, some of the highest in the state. Cavanaugh says that’s causing hospitalizations to pile up.

Cut 13 (09) “…closely.” 

These numbers are behind only the Acadiana region for the highest rate in the state.

For most of the state, this dramatic rise in new cases began around mid to late June, but Cavanaugh says their issues began earlier than that.

Cut 14 (10) “…Memorial Day”

The House Education Committee will discuss plans on schools reopening in August during a 10 o’clock meeting at the state capitol today. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

As the number of coronavirus cases continues to grow, is herd immunity a possible answer? Matt Doyle reports the state health department says no…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

A mask is now required for individuals when they are inside a business or outdoors and unable to keep a distance from others. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

______________________________

Starting today, Lousiana residents eight years old and up are required to wear a mask when indoors and outdoors and you cannot be physically distant from others. Governor John Bel Edwards says many might not agree with this order, but he says research shows face masks can slow the spread of COVID-19…

Cut 4 (12)_ “will happen”

Businesses will be required to tell people they must have a mask on while inside their location. Edwards says the order exempts people with certain medical conditions from wearing a mask, but he says if that’s the case you shouldn’t be near people outside of your household anyways…

Cut 5 (07)  “…under any circumstances”

The governor has also ordered all bars closed as the state has moved to third in the country for per capita cases. He says based on contact tracing at least 36 outbreaks started in bars and the number is likely more than that…

Cut 6 (11) “…to hear them.”

Bars will remain closed and the mask mandate will remain in place until at least July 24th.

__________________

Lousiana’s education and health leaders along with the head of the LHSAA will speak today at a House Education Committee meeting about reopening schools and getting kids back on the athletic fields. House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo encourages parents to watch the 10 AM meeting on the state’s legislative website.

Cut 7 (11) “…reopen.”

You can watch live at legis.la.gov. If you miss the live broadcast you and find the meeting in the legislative video archives.

Garofalo says they’ll get school officials to lay out exactly what a potential “hybrid model” of education would look like, and how much off-campus learning would be required.

Cut 8 (05) “…classroom”

A number of school districts have already released their preliminary back to school plans.

Garofalo says athletics is an important part of the high school experience and he plans on asking LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine how they plan to make it possible.

Cut 9 (08) “…health.”

Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields, who chairs the Senate Education Committee, sparked controversy recently when he sent a letter to BESE requesting all K-12 sports be canceled for fall.

_______________

Louisiana is reporting nearly 80-thousand coronavirus cases. The state has four-point-six million people, which means two-percent of the state’s residents have tested positive. Regional public health director for Acadiana, Doctor Tina Stefanski, says if you think herd immunity is the answer for this virus, we are not close…

Cut 10 (10) “…have recovered”

Stefanski says scientific evidence has shown the best way to beat the virus without closing businesses back down again is by wearing masks

Cut 11 (11) “…level of transmission”

Assistant State Health Officer, Doctor Joe Kanter, says persons between the age of 18 to 29 continues to be the age group with the most new cases and there’s evidence they are spreading the virus to older, sicker people

Cut 12 (07)      increase in deaths” 

The state is reporting over 33-hundred deaths.

___________________________________

A recent study shows 73% of people say they are concerned about returning to work and spending time away from their pets and 59% are worried their dog or cat may suffer from separation anxiety.  LSU Vet School Assistant Professor of Community Practice Nancy Welborn says now is the time to prep your pets for that transition.

Cut 13 (08) “…then come back.” 

Welborn says it is important to shake up the daily routine of leaving the house as pets, especially dogs, can pick up on the patterns that indicate when someone is leaving.

Cut 14 (11) “…the night before.”

Welborn adds using a different door to exit your home if possible as well as staggering the times that you leave can throw off triggers.

Welborn says it will help to give your pet something to play with to help take their mind off the fact that you are leaving.

Cut 15 (11) “…of different options.” 

____________________________

The Pelicans are getting used to life inside the NBA’s bubble in Orlando, Florida. The team is staying at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and veteran shooting guard J-J Redick says he has no complaints

Cut 16 (24) “…it’s fine” 

Guard Josh Hart has a nice wine cellar at his New Orleans area home, but in Orlando he’s had to settle for a 15-bottle wine fridge in his room

Cut 17  (23) “…works out” 

The Pelicans had their first practice last Friday and their first scrimmage game against another opponent is a week from Wednesday. Head Coach Alvin Gentry says the goal is pick up where they left off when the season was suspended in March

Cut 18  (23) “…high level”   

A local judge has issued a temporary restraining order against Shreveport’s mask mandate. Matt Doyle asked a legal expert if cities have the legal authority to issue these mandates…

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

Despite a high number of compliance checks, the State Fire Marshal’s office has not cited or shut down a single business for not following COVID mitigation requirements. Why is that? Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________

It will be a hot weekend as heat index values will reach 110, maybe even 115 degrees. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a high pressure system in the northern Gulf of Mexico will limit cloudiness and thunderstorms

Cut 3 (11)  “…lots of humidity”  

This stretch of hot weather will continue into early next week and Keim says it will be quite warm for outdoor activities in the morning…

Cut 4 (11)_ “    low 70s” 

Keim says rain chances are low this weekend…

Cut 5 (10)  “…miss it”
______________________

A Caddo District Court judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking the City’s implementation of a mandate requiring masks to be worn inside businesses.

New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, and East Baton Rouge Parish have also issued similar mandates. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino believes they do have the authority to do so.

Cut 6 (13) “…basis.”

If the mandate were to be implemented non-compliant businesses could potentially be shut down while the state remained in Phase Two.

Ciolino says governments are afforded a lot of leeways when it comes to this kind of policy.

Cut 7 (09) “…health.”

Governor Edwards has often said that he is not, and has not considered a statewide mask mandate.

Ciolino says mask mandate opponents will have a hard time arguing against the mandates in potential court proceedings.

Cut 8 (10) “…box”

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins has until July 16^th to respond, and the five businesses suing to stop the mandate have until July 17^th to reply.

_______________________

The State Fire Marshal’s office has conducted around 3,100 coronavirus spread mitigation compliance checks between June 26 and July 5, yet there hasn’t been any penalization of the rule breakers.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says that’s because businesses are correcting shortcomings after the first visit.

Cut 9 (10) “…consider penalizing somebody.”

Browning says the lack of citations or shutdowns is a strong indicator that businesses care enough about their customers and employees to come into compliance.

Cut 10 (07) “…everything goes bad”

Browning says after a third check, if there are businesses that are blatantly defying the rules, that’s when further action will be taken, but says it has yet to come to that.

Cut 11 (07) “…exceeded our expectations.”

_________________________________________________________

The coronavirus pandemic may have put a dent into many sectors of the economy, but the Louisiana Lottery says they’ve just finished their second-best fiscal year ever that ended on June 30th.  Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says that’s in large part due to an uptick in scratch-off sales from April through June.

Cut 12 (05) “…in our history.”

Multi-state jackpots such Powerball and Mega Millions ended the year down by about $66 million due to a 12-month drought of jackpots exceeding $400 million.

Many lottery retailers such as grocery and convenience stores were deemed essential and stayed open, which Chopin says was vital in maintaining player activity.

Cut 13 (08) “…have become inaccessible.” 

Chopin says the ability to avoid interrupting player’s routines while other aspects of life were on hold also contributed to captivating their audience.

Cut 14 (07) “…do for entertainment.”

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is developing a smartphone app aiming to make it easier for consumers to stick to their diet plans by gauging calorie consumption. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_____________________________________

 A Louisiana teachers union calls on the state to mandate that everyone must wear a facemask while on school grounds. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

Saturday is Election Day for the Presidential Primary. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

______________________________

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is developing a smartphone app aiming to make it easier for consumers to stick to their diet plans by gauging calorie consumption.  Co-principal investigator Dr. Corby Martin says the PortionSize app helps tackle a critical problem in weight management, getting people an idea of what they are actually eating.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…during that meal.”

Martin has been working about the app with his co-principal investigator, Dr. John Apolzan for about a year and a half and says they’ve still got more work to do.  The study will recruit around 150 participants to throughout the study of the app.

Cut 5 (12)  “…like we hope.”

Martin says as soon as they have data that suggests that the app is accurate, it will be available to researchers and clinicians.  How long it will be before it ends up in the hands of the public is still to be determined.

Cut 6 (08) “…on the App Store.”

__________________

The number of people hospitalized as result of COVID-19 has nearly doubled over the last month. According to the state department of health, there are just over 40 ICU beds available at each of these three regions, central Louisiana, the River Parishes and Acadiana. Governor John Bel Edwards

Cut 7 (10) “…hospitalizations.”

As of yesterday, the number of ICU beds available in southwest Louisiana was down to 27. Edwards says some hospitals also report a low supply of Remdesivir, which is an approved therapeutic drug for severely ill COVID patients

Cut 8 (12) “…on that”

Edwards says hospital leaders have also told him staffing has become a problem

Cut 9 (09) “…are positive.”

Edwards says hospital officials also say they are seeing more white males hospitalized as a result of COVID-19.

_______________

The Louisiana Federation of Teachers is asking the state mandate facemask usage while on school campuses, instead of the current policy of recommending their use.

LFT President Larry Carter says they’ve polled nearly 13,000 of their members and one issue stuck out like a sore thumb…

Cut 10 (08) “…teachers”

Some localities and parishes have adopted mandatory face mask usage while in businesses and public buildings, but most have not.

Carter says they’re serious about their facemask policy request and have been putting their money where their mouth is to make it happen…

Cut 11 (09) “…give out”

The LFT is also calling on members of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation to support the House Democrat created HEROES Act that would fund additional safety measures in schools.

If the state refuses to mandate facemask usage in schools could we see teachers participate in an organized walkout? Carter says that’s not being considered right now.

Cut 12 (09) “…discussions

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Saturday is Election Day for the Presidential Preference Primary.  The voting process will look a little different than other elections.  Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says there will be spread mitigation efforts in place and they’ve recruited poll workers that are less susceptible to poor outcomes from COVID-19 exposure.

Cut 13 (09) “…on Election Day.” 

Only registered Republicans can vote in the GOP primary and, even though Joe Biden is anticipated to accept the nomination, registered Democrats can select between the 14 candidates up for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Louisiana’s presidential primary is not the only item on the ballot for the July 11th. There are also local races in 24 parishes and party committee positions.

Cut 14 (07) “…the ballots locally.”

If you are hoping to get your hands on the state’s famous “I Voted” stickers, Ardoin says you are out of luck with this election.

Cut 15 (03) “…COVID through stickers.” 

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The Big 10 Conference has decided its schools will only play 10 college football games this season and only conference games. Other conferences may do the same. Sports Illustrated writer Ross Dellenger says optimism for an on-time kickoff has turned to doubt among college football powerbrokers

Cut 16 (09) “…it all” 

Dellenger doesn’t expect the SEC to make a decision on what might happen with its football season for another few weeks…

Cut 17  (20) “…nationally” 

Dellenger says another option for college football is to delay the start of the season until late September or early October. Or they could wait even longer…

Cut 18  (06) “…spring season”   

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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

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

Cut 4 (08)_“…for you”

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

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

Cut 5 (09)  “…inflammation”

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

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

Cut 6 (11) “…hungry”

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

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

Cut 7 (07) “…the legislature felt.”

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

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

Cut 8 (07) “…maintain that balance.”

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

Cut 9 (09) “…far more detrimental.”

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

Cut 10 (09) “…important”

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

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

Cut 11 (10) “…not going out”

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

Cut 12 (12) “…more”

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

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

Cut 13 (12) “…doing the same.” 

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

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

Cut 14 (11) “…really good beer.”

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

Cut 15 (10) “…quite a bit.”