Qualifying for the November election begins today with election watchers keeping a close eye on who shows up for the Senate race and the open 5^th district Congressional seat. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Louisiana will remain in Phase Two for an additional two weeks beginning Friday.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Homeschooling is seeing a surge in interest as many parents are not comfortable sending their kids back to classrooms. Matt Doyle spoke with a homeschool advocate for some tips for first-time homeschoolers…

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Qualifying for the November 3^rd election begins today and federal candidates have until Friday afternoon to fill out their paperwork at the Secretary of State’s office in Baton Rouge. Will there be a Democrat to challenge Republican Senator Bill Cassidy? LSU Shreveport Poli Sci Professor Jeff Sadow says Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is a rumored candidate

Cut 4 (10)_ “…years”

Antoine Pierce, a Baton Rouge progressive activist, and New Orleans teacher Peter Wenstrup are the two announced Democrats so far.

Sadow says if the party fails to find a candidate who can mount a substantial campaign they could risk demotivating Democrats from participating in future elections.

Cut 5 (10)  “…to win.”

The 5^th District Congressional seat held by the retiring Ralph Abraham should be competitive. ULM Poli Sci Professor Josh Stockley says there are three well-known Republicans running, Abraham’s Chief of Staff Luke Letlow, Alexandria Representative Lance Harris, and Ouachita Police Juror Scotty Robinson.

Cut 6 (11) “…Luke.”

Stockley says the jungle primary is most likely to produce one Republican and one Democrat for the run-off.

Grambling Chief Operating Officer Martin Lemelle highlights the Democratic side of the race. Stockley says Lemelle is a competitive candidate and is likely to win most of the Dem and Black vote.

Cut 7 (06) “…pool.”

Two other Democrats have also announced their intention to run, along with another independent candidate.

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Governor John Bel Edwards extends Phase Two by two more weeks. The current order is set to expire on the morning of Friday, July 24 and the new order will take its place.

Cut 8 (08) “…go from here.”

Not everyone is a fan of the announcement. The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry expressed their disappointment in the decision, saying in a statement they are just as concerned with the lack of a clearly articulated and creative pathway to a safe, reopened society, school system, and economy.

Edwards says the next order will also see the extension of the restrictions added on July 13.

Cut 9 (10) “…consumption of alcohol.”

Edwards cites the positivity rate of new tests as another red flag. As of July 15, all regions of Louisiana had a 7-day average positivity of new tests that was greater than 10 percent and the overall statewide positivity rate was 15.46 percent. The state’s goal is a rate to be below 10 percent.

Edwards says his biggest concern is the hospitalizations per capita as, over the last couple of weeks, it has been in an upward trajectory in all regions of the state.

Cut 10 (12) “…motor vehicle accident.”

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Homeschool advocates say interest in homeschooling is surging with the fate of K-12 education still up in the air.

Coalition for Responsible Home Education Director Rachel Coleman says homeschool families must have a caregiver who can commit to homeschooling full time. If not, consider virtual enrollment through your district.

Cut 11 (11) “…happens.”

The Louisiana Department of Education does not provide funding or resources for homeschooling.

Coleman says if you’re committed to home school for the coming semester you need to submit a form to BESE and be approved.

Cut 12 (09) “…district” 

Coleman says you won’t have to worry about standardized tests, but you must, by law, offer a curriculum of quality at least equal to that offered by public schools of the same grade.

Cut 13 (12) “…school” 

Those guidelines can be found at Louisianabelieves.com/schools/home-study.

________________________

Monroe has a new mayor with the swearing-in of Friday Ellis.  Ellis takes the position after defeating Jamie Mayo who held the position for 19 years.  Ellis says he is confident in his ability to tackle the issues voters have voiced their concerns about while on the campaign trail.

Cut 14 (11) “…honoring those commitments.”

Ellis says the city will now embark on a new journey that will create jobs and move the area forward.

Cut 15 (11) “…of its residents.” 

Ellis won the July 11^th election running as an independent and says it is an honor to get to serve in the role.

Cut 16 (06) “…serve you well.” 

The Southwestern Athletic Conference has decided to postpone its fall sports season to the spring. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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It’s been ten months since the Hard Rock Hotel collapse and the bodies of two workers might finally be recovered from the rubble within a matter of days.   Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (25) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Qualifying for the November ballot begins at 8 AM tomorrow and as of now, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy does not face a major Democratic challenger. Outgoing State Democratic Party Director Stephen Handwerk says there’s time for a prominent Democrat to get in the race.

Cut 3 (11)  “…race”  

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins’ name has come up as a possible challenger.

Handwerk says the party will consider endorsements once qualifying ends Friday afternoon and they know who is running.

Cut 4 (03)_ “yet”

Antoine Pierce, a Baton Rouge progressive activist, and New Orleans teacher Peter Wenstrup are the two announced Democrats so far.

Handwerk says there’s a lot of energy in the party right now. He noted more Democrats voted in the recent Presidential Primary than Republicans.

Cut 5 (08)  “…MIA”

______________________

The Southwestern Athletic Conference has made the decision to move its fall sports, including football, to the spring. Grambling President Rick Gallot says the decision protects the health of their student-athletes

Cut 6 (10) “…deadly virus”

The SWAC is planning to have a seven-game football schedule that would include six conference games and one non-conference contest. Preseason camp would begin in January. But Gallot says the virus will dictate if football can be played

Cut 7 (09) “vaccine”

Southern University Athletics Director Roman Banks says by the time 2021 gets here, he hopes scientists are closer to a vaccine and there are fewer COVID-19 cases

Cut 8 (12) “…responsible”

Banks says the league is still deciding what the schedule will look like, but they know they’ll play Grambling and once a date is set, they’ll talk with Bayou Classic and New Orleans officials

Cut 9 (07) “…site.”

_________________________________________________________

New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell says one of the bodies that has been trapped in the Hard Rock Hotel collapse site is likely to be recovered by the end of the week and the other by the middle of next week. McConnell says the rubble is very delicate and potentially dangerous to recovery workers.

Cut 10 (13) “…that could change.”

It’s been ten months since the construction site partially collapsed, killing three. McConnell says the length of the recovery has tested the patience of recovery workers.

Cut 11 (10) “…for a living.”

Rescue workers had thought that it was going to be possible to recover the two bodies last week, but more hurdles got in the way that could have an impact on the current timeline too… weather.

Cut 12 (09) “…with bad weather.” 

Starting tomorrow, the area will be deemed a no-fly zone to keep drones away.

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The National Hurricane Center has upgraded the chance of development for a tropical wave currently over western Cuba and making its way into the Gulf.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s a medium chance the disturbance will develop into a tropical depression over the next five days.

Cut 13 (06) “…Mexico.” 

The system is set to enter the southeastern Gulf of Mexico later today, move into the central Gulf tomorrow, and the northwestern Gulf Thursday and Friday.

Keim says sea surface temperatures in the Gulf are prime for development.

Cut 14 (09) “…problem.”

That being said Keim does not expect the system to get to hurricane strength. At most he anticipates a depression or tropical storm…

Cut 15 (06) “     …wrong” 

Louisiana Restaurant revenue is set to take a major hit from the pandemic, a hit that could translate into hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue for state and local government. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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More than a third of Louisiana residents lack access to an adequate food source because of the pandemic unemployment rates. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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If you’re seen wearing a mask while in New Orleans you could be given a raffle ticket worth 10,000 dollars. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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The Louisiana Restaurant Association predicts a 25-30 percent drop in restaurant revenue for 2020 due to the pandemic.

LRA CEO Stan Harris says they projected 11 billion dollars for the year before the pandemic, generating over a billion dollars in state and local taxes. That’s no longer the case…

Cut 4 (06)_ “…operation.”

The National Restaurant Association is projecting a 240 billion dollar nationwide impact to revenue for 2020.

LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says the industry is particularly vulnerable because demand is currently being dictated by the public’s level of comfort in going out to eat.

Cut 5 (09)  “…to it.”

Harris previously predicted 25 percent of state restaurants could permanently close due to the pandemic. Scott says much of that is linked to problems making rent.

Cut 6 (08) “…right now.”

__________________

A study shows more than a third of Louisiana residents are food insecure, meaning they lack access to an adequate food source during the pandemic.  Center for Planning Excellence is behind the analysis and CEO Camille Manning-Broome says the state has had a half million people fall into this category since the pandemic started.

Cut 7 (13) “…of this pandemic.”

Manning-Broome says nearly half of the newly food insecure communities are small towns and unincorporated rural areas, but metropolitan areas are also feeling the burden.

Cut 8 (08) “…a humanitarian crisis.”

Food insecurity has increased dramatically since the pandemic began in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, where approximately 65% of residents line in food-insecure communities.  Manning-Broome says federal relief is needed to help address the issue.

Cut 9 (10) “…our food banks.”

_____________

People who chose to mask up in New Orleans could be given a raffle ticket for a 10,000 dollar drawing.

The project is being led by several city Mardi Gras Krewes, and Krewe of Red Beans founder Devin De Wulf says the idea was inspired by his time as a teacher where he learned about the power of positive reinforcement.

Cut 10 (12) “prize.”

The 10,000 dollars comes from the savings account of the Krewe. De Wulf says they were hoping to save up enough to get a Krewe HQ, but felt this was a more worthy cause.

De Wulf says they will be focusing on parts of the city where the virus has hit the hardest using Department of Health data…

Cut 11 (05) “…the love.”

De Wulf says if they see you in the city being a responsible citizen and masking up…

Cut 12 (10) “…distance” 

The program started Monday and will continue until August 3^rd. The drawing will be held on August 4^th.

________________________

Baton Rouge Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that killed a domestic violence suspect at his Tigerland apartment early Monday morning. The identities of the officers and the deceased have not been released, but a portion of the body cam footage has been released.

Cut 13 (11) “…got a gun *bang*.” 

Four officers involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave. A K-9 officer injured in the gunfire is in stable condition.

The suspect was wanted on a warrant obtained in May and the said they officers had tracked him down to the apartment complex after a tip given to CrimeStoppers. Chief Murphy Paul says during the incident, officers saw the man appeared from a rear room, the officers retreated from the apartment while giving loud verbal commands.

Cut 14 (09) “…fired striking him.”

Paul says all of the officers had their body cameras activated and a snippet of the footage was released after family of the deceased reviewed the video.

Cut 15 (11) “…of public safety.” 

More footage may be released at a later time.

A state rental assistance program is temporarily suspended due to an “overwhelming response” after less than a week. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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House Speaker Clay Schexnayder is discouraging fellow Republican legislators from supporting a petition to revoke the Governor’s coronavirus health emergency. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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A 24 million dollar state program designed to provide rental assistance to low-income individuals has been temporarily suspended.

The program had funding to help 10,000 families, but 40,000 applications were received. Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center Director Cashauna Hill…

Cut 3 (11)  “…need is.”  

The program was available to those making under 15,000 dollars a year and would provide three months of rental assistance to those eligible.

Hill says the mass interest in the rental assistance program is evidence of a budding crisis that is set to get much worse in the near future.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…home.”

Negotiations on potentially extending a portion of those benefits are beginning this week in Congress. Democrats want a full extension through the end of the year, Republicans are concerned about the program paying people more to remain unemployed than to work.

Hill says estimates show that to address the impending rent crisis the state would need 500 million dollars.

Cut 5 (07)  “…enough.”

LFHAC is among 52 social service agencies and advocates from around the state who signed a letter sent to Governor Edwards calling for more funding for rental assistance.

______________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’ll use his lunchtime today, tomorrow, and Wednesday for prayer and fasting. He’s encouraging Louisiana residents to do the same…

Cut 6 (11) “…passed on”

The state health department reported 34 more deaths on Sunday to bring Louisiana’s death toll to 3,433. Edwards says he got the idea for three days of fasting and prayer during a conference call with faith leaders…

Cut 7 (09) “other Louisianians”

Edwards says he believes in the power of prayer and in the power of working together and being good neighbors to overcome COVID-19…

Cut 8 (10) “…praying as well”

_______________________

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder is discouraging his fellow Republicans from supporting an effort spearheaded by Shreveport Republican Alan Seabaugh to revoke the Governor’s coronavirus pandemic state of emergency.  Schexnayder says the petition fixes nothing.

Cut 9 (10) “…all to that.”

Schexnayder adds the move could trigger overrides for ongoing executive orders tied to previous natural disasters and be a hurdle for the governor’s authority to tackle future events.

Schexnayder says the executive order is just one layer of mitigation efforts and it will not loosen up restrictions put in place by local governments.

Cut 10 (08) “…won’t do that.”

The recently enacted statewide mask mandate has once again brought attention back to the petition.  Schexnayder says he understands the inconvenience of wearing masks, but adds this petition will not remove the mandate.

Cut 11 (12) “…going to bed.”

Seabaugh has responded calling the House Speaker’s claims about the petition’s consequences inaccurate fear-mongering.

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The National Hurricane Center is monitoring three tropical waves, but none of the disturbances are a serious threat to Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a weak low-pressure area south of the Texas-Louisiana border has caught the attention of forecasters

Cut 12 (07) “…southwestern Louisiana.”

There’s another disturbance in the middle of the Atlantic and the other is over Cuba and heading towards the Gulf of Mexico. Keim says this disorganized area of showers and thunderstorms should get into the Gulf tomorrow

Cut 13 (10) “…overly serious.” 

Keim says we are moving closer to the heart of the hurricane season and it’s not a surprise to see tropical activity pick up

Cut 14 (07) “…up about.”

Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Alex Billioux points to a CDC investigation out of Missouri that shows the effectiveness of masks. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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White House Guidelines call for gyms to be closed down in high coronavirus transmission states like Louisiana. Brooke Thorington on how to transition your workout to the home if gyms did close again.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

___________________________________________

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is celebrating the tort reform legislation signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards aimed at lowering auto insurance rates.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

______________________________

A CDC investigation into an incident in Missouri shows the effectiveness of masks. Health officials say two hairstylists tested positive for the coronavirus, but none of their 136 customers and co-workers got the virus, because everyone involved wore a mask. Louisiana Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Alex Billioux.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…masks.”

The two COVID positive workers had gotten tested for COVID, but went back to work while waiting for the results during this period.

The hairstylists spent on average over 15 minutes within six feet of their customers, which is considered “close contact”, and would warrant a self-quarantine order. Billioux says it’s a remarkable discovery…

Cut 5 (04)  “…evidence.”

Billioux says the now proven efficacy of masks is helping inform a federal plan aimed at keeping the economy up and running through the rest of the pandemic.

Cut 6 (09) “…impact.”

__________________

Republican and Democratic Congressional leaders are expected to discuss this week on a 5th coronavirus relief funding bill.  Senator John Kennedy says it’s unclear what this round of aid may look like, but he doubts it will be as broad as past COVID stimulus bills.

Cut 7 (08) “…bills.”

Kennedy says he’s concerned about the rate of spending on COVID economic bills and he says the only way for the economy to survive is for Americans to get back to work.

Cut 8 (11) “…careful.”

While there’s still a lot up in the air as to the details of the next package, Kennedy says he is confident the one House Democrats crafted, the three trillion dollar HEROES Act, will not see hit the President’s desk.

Cut 9 (07) “…virus”

Enhanced federal unemployment benefits are set to expire at the end of the month and Congress is still discussing how they might assist the millions out of work. There are reports the $600 weekly checks could be slashed to $400.

_____________

White House Coronavirus guidelines call for gyms to be closed in high transmission coronavirus states like Louisiana. Governor Edwards has yet to make that decision, but if gyms are ordered closed again, LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Exercise Physiologist Dr. Melinda Southern says there are exercises you can do at home to continue to do to stay in shape.

Cut 10 (08) “stability exercises.”

Sothern says unfortunately there are several workouts online that can pose a risk to your health that She highly recommends you search for reputable online instruction, sites like…

Cut 11 (12) “…are effective.”

Sothern says you don’t have to have a gym necessarily at home to stay in shape either, you can use basic furniture that you already have.

Cut 12 (10) “…the wall” 

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The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is celebrating the tort reform legislation signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards that aims to lower auto insurance rates.  LABI President Steven Waguespack says the measure will lead to lower claims, lower settlements, and lower insurance rates for commercial drivers.

Cut 13 (11) “…solution in place.” 

Waguespack believes there will be enormous benefits for commercial drivers with more competition among insurers.

Cut 14 (12) “…everywhere in between.”

Waguespack says the history of high auto insurance rates has been devastating for the Louisiana businesses.

Cut 15 (07) “…will change that.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards is considering the implementations of new White House coronavirus guidelines.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

Senator Kennedy says students need to be allowed to return to classrooms once the fall semester begins. Matt Doyle spoke with him earlier…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he will consider the implementation of new White House COVID-19 guidelines.  The recommendations call for red zone states like Louisiana to close gyms, put tighter restrictions on indoor dining capacity to 25%, and limit gatherings to 10 people.

Cut 3 (12)  “…points in time.”  

Louisiana is one of 18 states in the red zone for cases and one of 11 in the red zone for testing positivity.  Edwards feels the state already is covering the most prioritized spread mitigation efforts from the CDC and White House Coronavirus Task Force.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…other things too.”

Edwards has closely followed the White House guidance, despite push back from Republicans at the state level over restrictions.  Edwards says any new spread mitigation mandates will come on the next proclamation.

Cut 5 (12)  “…on the 26th.”

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While the federal government requires COVID tests to be free some patients are finding themselves hit with additional costs like lab fees when they get tested in certain facilities. Ochsner CEO Warner Thomas says all community testing sites are completely free of any charges, but in their urgent cares or if you get tested in the ER…

Cut 6 (08) “…COVID Testing”

And if you are uninsured and end up in the ER due to COVID-19?

Cut 7 (07) “off”

Testing at Ochsner ERs and Urgent Cares is being restricted to symptomatic patients. Thomas says Non-symptomatic patients can be tested at community testing sites.

Cut 8 (09) “…test”

_______________________

Senator John Kennedy pushes school districts to resume in-person education once the fall semester begins.

Kennedy says the rewards of continuing kids’ social and academic development outweigh the risks of having them more exposed to the virus and name-checked a series of other countries that have returned to the classroom.

Cut 9 (12) “can too.”

Kennedy says science backs up his claim that it’s safe to get kids back into class. He says young people don’t often suffer fatal outcomes when they develop COVID-19.

Cut 10 (10) “…to it.”

The Louisiana Federation of Teachers voiced concern that there isn’t enough healthcare funding for schools to safely reopen right now and urged the Congressional Delegation to approve the HEROES Act to remedy that problem. Kennedy says there’s no way the House crafted bill passes.

Cut 11 (10) “…manifesto”

_________________________________________________________

People in need of a hospital procedure can be admitted without fearing the coronavirus according to New Orleans Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avengo.  Dr. Avengo says she does not want anyone to defer a medical procedure they desperately need.

Cut 12 (11) “…to the hospital.”

Avengo says healthcare providers have found better ways of balancing the intake of patients, but there is a danger that comes with hospitals getting full again.

Cut 13 (12) “…in deaths again.” 

Avengo says it is still vitally important to hospitals that spread mitigation efforts are strictly followed by the public when outside of the home.

Cut 14 (04) “…easily been prevented.”

Is the Department of Health inflating COVID-19 case counts? Assistant health secretary Dr. Alex Billioux debunks that theory. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

_____________________________________

Low-income renters who are struggling to pay their rent can now apply for help through the Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

___________________________________________

A West Monroe man is in jail after allegedly getting violent after being denied access to a Walmart for not wearing a facemask. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________

Assistant health secretary Dr. Alex Billioux debunks a theory that Louisiana’s COVID-19 case count has been inflated by individuals being retested only to find out they are still positive for coronavirus. Billioux made it clear the state is not listing every positive test result as a new case.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…that one case.”

The Red River Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness recently added to the theory with a Facebook post that questioned the validity of the parish’s case count as reported by LDH. Billioux says they’ve looked into the claim.

Cut 5 (09) “…as 56 cases.”

Billioux says the health officials have nothing to gain from inflated numbers, adding that the spreading of misinformation about testing through hearsay can be dangerous.

Cut 6 (07) “…testing in general.”

__________________

The state is now taking applications for the Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program, an initiative aimed at helping low-income people who are struggling to make rent.

Louisiana Housing Corporation Executive Director Keith Cunningham says the program can provide short-term help to renters whose finances have been impacted by the pandemic.

Cut 7 (10) “…the program.”

The program currently has a 24 million dollar fund, but the state aims to find additional money to boost the pot.

Payment amounts and qualification depends on income, household size, and fair market rent prices in your area. Cunningham says you can only make 30 percent of the state’s average median income.

Cut 8 (07) “…or more.”

Applicants also cannot currently be in public housing or be receiving other federal rental assistance.

Governor Edwards says the program will be administered on a first come first served basis, and qualifying applicants will have rent payments made on their behalf.

Cut 9 (04) “…landlords”

The application process can be accessed through 211 or Louisianarenthelp.com.

_____________

A West Monroe man was arrested after allegedly hitting a cop with his car and resisting arrest after refusing to wear a mask inside a Walmart. West Monroe Police Chief Jeff Terrell says when 64-year old Ricky Taylor refused a Walmart employee’s request to wear a mask a police officer working detail for Walmart intervened.

Cut 10 (10) “trespass notice.”

Authorities say Taylor had a verbal altercation with the officer, refused to give to his identification, left the store, and got into his car, and then it got physical.

Cut 11 (08) “…bumped the officer.”

A second officer was called to make the arrest and a struggle ensued.

The suspect reportedly said he had a medical condition that prevents him from wearing a mask and he could not see the officer behind his vehicle. Terrell says if Taylor really had a condition he could have just done curbside pickup.

Cut 12 (12) “…to wear a mask”

Taylor was booked on charges of resisting an officer, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, and disturbing the peace.

________________________

Governor Edwards approves business tax cuts and credits that will cost the state an estimated 25 million dollars in the current budget year, and at least 230 million dollars over the next five years.

The cuts come in many forms, including a substantial portion for the casino industry, and a yearlong suspension of the corporate franchise tax. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat…

Cut 13 (09) “…services.”

The tax cuts and credits were legislative priorities for the GOP in the recent special session.

The cuts and credits are aimed at helping companies who’ve been hammered by COVID-related economic loss. Pinsonat says it’s anyone’s guess as to whether they’ll make much of an impact.

Cut 14 (09) “…struggling”

Early in the special session, Edwards expressed concern about the fiscal responsibility of the proposed cuts and credits, but Pinsonat says the pandemic likely inspired him to step outside his comfort zone.

Cut 15 (12) “…did”

Consumers are planning to spend a record amount to prepare students for heading back to school and college. Brooke Thorington has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_____________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry says Governor Edwards’ recent orders about masks, group gatherings, and bars are unconstitutional. Matt Doyle

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

The longest serving executive director of the Louisiana Democratic Party is stepping away to pursue new challenges. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (27)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

______________________________

A National Retail Federation study shows the uncertainty about the upcoming school year could push back-to-school spending to record levels. NRF spokesperson Katherine Cullen says more than half of shoppers feel that some learning will occur at home and they’ll need to purchase more electronics.

Cut 4 (06)_ “…home this year.”

Only 26% expect all most or all of classes will be taught in person.

For the elementary to high school age kids, families are spending an average of $789, an increase of nearly $100 from last year, with total spending around $33.9 billion, both numbers are up from last year. Cullen says for college students, it is a similar story.

Cut 5 (11)  “…record of $977.”

Total collegiate spending is expected to top $67 billion, a new record and up from $54.5 billion last year.

Even though some brick and mortar stores closed during the pandemic are beginning to reopen, Cullen say more than half of K-12 shoppers saying they will now be buying online.

Cut 6 (07) “…patterns of shopping.”

__________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry pens a letter calling the Governor’s statewide mask mandate, order to close bars, and limit on group gatherings unconstitutional.

Landry advises all state law enforcement agencies to exercise extreme caution when enforcing these orders, but Governor Edwards says there’s no question that his orders are legal.

Cut 7 (10) “…constitution.”

Governor Edwards says the letter is an about-face from the Attorney General…

Cut 8 (12) “…directives.”

Landry counters that he agreed to grant the Governor this authority early in the pandemic when medical capacity was at a breaking point, but that isn’t the case now.

Landry is in self-quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19 and missed the Vice President’s visit to Baton Rouge Monday. Edwards wished Landry well, but says…

Cut 9 (07) “…here.”

The letter was written at the behest of eight Republican legislators who were seeking input on the legality of the recent orders.

_____________

The Louisiana Restaurant Association estimates the pandemic economy will result in the loss of nearly a quarter of the state’s restaurants.

President Stan Harris says for many restaurants there’s just no way to weather the storm even with the federal aid that’s been received.

Cut 10 (10) “statewide.”

Harris says the damage may disproportionately impact traditional sit-down restaurants.

Cut 11 (10) “…buisness.”

With restaurants suffering the state’s service economy is getting hammered. Harris says that’s why we need Congress to extend enhanced unemployment benefits before they run out at the end of the month.

Cut 12 (09) “…happen” 

Harris made the comments on the Governor’s monthly talk show Ask the Governor.

________________________

Stephen Handwerk is stepping away from his position at the helm of the Louisiana Democratic Party.  Handwerk is the longest-serving executive director for the party and says it is time to pursue new challenges.

Cut 13 (09) “…done my time.” 

Handwerk says he is incredibly proud of many of the party’s accomplishments during his time and highlights the ability to flip the Governor’s Mansion blue with the election of John Bel Edwards and to keep it that way for a second term.

Cut 14 (08) “…proud of that.”

Handwerk feels that during his time in office the party contributed to history-making elections putting more diversity into elected offices.

Cut 15 (12) “…of a role.” 

Handwerk will depart at the end of August.

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.”  

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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.”