Governor Edwards plans to increase enforcement efforts on non-compliant businesses as coronavirus cases continue to surge. Kevin Barnhart has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

The UL System will take a 28 million dollar net hit to revenue this fiscal year, and is planning for a five percent total drop in revenue for the fiscal year starting July 1^st. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

Governor Edwards is demanding businesses comply with coronavirus restrictions as the state reported another 13-hundred cases today. Earlier this month, the governor loosened capacity restrictions on businesses and re-opened bars. The governor says that decision has not lead to a spike in cases…

Cut 3 (10) ”…it eventually stopped.”  

Businesses who have employees that come in contact with customers are required to wear masks. And Edwards says the public should be wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, and washing hands frequently.

Edwards has said since the pandemic started the state can not enforce its way to compliance, but he’s planning to take a more heavy-handed approach.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…these mandates.”

Edwards has paused the state’s re-opening, extending the Phase 2 guidelines for another 28 days as the number of hospitalizations has risen to 700. The governor says the state office of public health, A-T-C and state fire marshal deputies will conduct robust compliance checks when they get complaints…

Cut 5 (11)  “…a whole”

_________________________________________________

The UL System is anticipating a five percent loss of revenue by the end of the 2021 fiscal year. President Jim Henderson says they can absorb that kind of reduction and still supply a quality education, but if the COVID pandemic were to get any worse that may be difficult.

Cut 6 (07) “…about”

The worst-case scenario they’ve drawn up shows a 150 million dollar loss in revenue due to drastic declines in enrollment and the cancellation of sports.

Henderson says some of the loss is due to enrollment from students who are delaying entering college. He says they are being upfront about what expectations should be.

Cut 7 (08) “…2019”

For the current fiscal year ending June 30^th, the UL System is set to suffer a 28 million dollar net loss.

Henderson says the pitch for students uncertain of returning is still the same, a 14-percent annual rate of return on their degree from a U-L system school.

Cut 8 (08) “…investment”

_____________________________________________________

Blaine Kern, Sr., who was widely considered Mr. Mardi Gras, has died. He was 93.  Kern was the founder of Blaine Kern Artists, which designs, builds, and stages most of the region’s largest carnival parades. Mardi Gras expert Arthur Hardy remembers Kern as a key figure in the history of Mardi Gras.

Cut 9 (10) “…he improved it.”

Kernbuilt his first Mardi Gras float on the back on a mule-drawn wagon with his father in 1932 and is credited for turning Mardi Gras float building into a multi-million dollar business.  Hardy says Kern’s energy and creativity did not slow down in the later years of his life.

Cut 10 (10) “…just didn’t stop.”

Hardy says Kern had the ability to engage and captivate people.

Cut 11 (07) “…quite a promoter.”

_________________________________________________________

Louisiana is closing in on 55-thousand coronavirus cases after reporting 13-hundred new cases today. Assistant health secretary Alex Billioux says the vast majority in new cases is coming from community spread. He says more people are showing up to emergency room departments with COVID-19 symptoms

Cut 12 (12) “…epidemic”

Billioux says the percentage of tests that are positive is eight-percent, the federal goal is to keep it below 10-percent.

Cut 13 (09) “…increases there”  

91-percent of the cases are also tied to community spread rather than congregate settings like nursing homes. He says in order to stop the surge in cases, Louisiana residents should wear masks in the public and maintain social distancing…

Cut 14 (07) “…neighbors safe.”

Due to a planned power outage of the L-D-H’s office in New Orleans, the state will not update its coronavirus cases on Saturday.

___________________________________

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley unveils the guidelines schools will be operating under as students return in August. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

AAA indicates COVID-19 is impacting summer travel plans. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________________________

Louisiana’s first harvested batch of industrial hemp gets the green light to move forward with processing. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_______________________________________________

Newly minted State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley outlines COVID safety guidelines for the upcoming start of the school year, including the mandatory use of face coverings.

Brumley says enforcement will be up to each school district, and they’ll have to answer to the Louisiana Department of Health if there is non-compliance.

Cut 4 (10)_ “building”

Individuals with severe breathing difficulties do not have to wear a face covering, along with students in 2nd grade or below.

Students who get sick will be quarantined on campus until they can be removed and hand washing must take place every two hours. Brumley says student health will be closely monitored.

Cut 5 (09)  …check” 

If schools open under Phase Two contact sports and band will not be allowed, along with groups over 25 people, which appears to indicate sports practice may be off the table.

Brumley says if a student or teacher tests positive the Department of Health will consult with the district on whether the school needs to close. Brumley says that means…

Cut 6 (07) “closed”

Schools that are ordered closed may have to stay closed for three to five days.

________________________

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality warns residents with breathing issues to remain indoors as the Saharan Dust Cloud begins impacting New Orleans this afternoon.

LDEQ Air Planning and Assessment Administrator Jason Myers says the dust can exasperate existing respiratory conditions.

Cut 7 (07) “…inside.”

Wearing an N95 mask is recommended for those who have to go outside and have respiratory issues right now.

Myers says this might not be the best time to go work out outside even for those without conditions.

Cut 8 (10) “now.”

The dust hangs in the air and will add a haze to the sky, along with brightening up the sunset.

Cut 9 (07) “…sunset”

__________________________________

COVID-19 is impacting summer travel. The AAA travel forecast shows Americans will take 700 trips, down nearly 15% compared to last July through September. Driving sees the smallest decrease in travel volume, down 3.6% over the year. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says other transportation methods are taking a much worse hit.

Cut 10 (09) “…are the cruises.”

Cruise ship, rail, and bus travel are down by 86% over the year.

Regionally, 98% of travelers are choosing to drive and Redman adds they are choosing closer locations.

Cut 11 (06) “…at state parks.”

While summer gas prices haven’t been this low since 2016, Redman says it is not enough to spur travel.

Cut 12 (11) “…off the roads.”

Redman says the last time the AAA travel forecast showed a dip in over the year travel was 2009, following the 2008 recession.

____________________________

Louisiana’s first harvested batch of industrial hemp has been tested and is in compliance with rules for the crop.  State Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the crop received the green light after being tested to make sure THC concentration level is below the legal limit of .3%

Cut 13 (10) “…CBD from that.” 

Across the country, there has been widespread crop failure because of excessive amounts of THC, so having this first batch meet state and federal regulations is a victory for the state’s hemp industry.

Strain says next, the hemp will be dried, which can happen at the farm or the processing facility where it heads next.

Cut 14 (09) “…extract CBD products.”

Strain says in Louisiana there are over 100 people licensed as growers, processors, transporters, or seed sellers and producers and with the budding industry is a further exploration of additional utility for the crop.

Cut 15 (06) “…at other uses.”

_____________

The Senate Finance committee says state worker pay raises for next fiscal year should be put on hold. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

The state education department releases guidelines for schools to reopen with students in the classrooms. Jeff Palermo reports from third grade and on up masks will be required…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

Caddo Parish Coroner Doctor Todd Thoma determines a 63-year-old black man died of febrile delirium while in the custody of Shreveport first responders last April. Thoma says paramedics and police were called to Wavey Austin’s apartment because he was delusional and uncooperative, so he was handcuffed to conduct a medical evaluation…

Cut 3 (09) ”…it eventually stopped.”  

Thoma says there was no struggle with police or significant signs of trauma…

Cut 4 (08)_ “…or broken bones.”

Febrile delirium is an acute and transient confusional state with a high fever.  Austin was running a fever of 101.5 at the time of this death and was found to have an enlarged heart contributing to arrhythmia.

Thoma says first responders worked quickly to apply medical care to Austin.

Cut 5 (13)  “…a preventable death”

A group called 45 days of Action Shreveport seeks answers on why Austin and Tommie McGlothen died in police custody in April. Thoma ruled McGlothen died from excited delirium, but there is video showing officers hitting him.

_________________________________________________

When the Senate Finance Committee approved a budget for the next fiscal year Wednesday they put a pause on scheduled pay raises for state workers.

Baton Rouge Senator Bodi White says right now a public sector pay raise just wouldn’t look good.

Cut 6 (11) “…deal with”

The proposal heads to the Senate where it could be adjusted.

Evangeline Parish Senator Heather Cloud says the full scope of economic damage from the pandemic is not clear yet. Authorizing a raise could have serious ramifications.

Cut 7 (06) “…be here”

Opponents note the Legislature is also currently considering nearly a hundred million dollars in business tax breaks at the same time.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne notes that most of the workers who will be impacted don’t make a lot of money.

Cut 8 (09) “…workers”

The 60 million dollars in pay raises was set aside, and lawmakers say they will take a look at whether the state can afford the raises later this year.

_____________________________________________________

The state education department released a plan today on how public schools can reopen for the upcoming school year and do so without contributing to the spread of COVID-19. One of the guidelines calls for children in third grade and above to wear masks. Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter…

Cut 9 (08) “…face masks.”

Carter says students with a breathing condition could wear a face shield. The plan also calls for symptom monitoring of students when they arrive and throughout the day, including an initial temperature check. Carter says sick students need to be isolated quickly…

Cut 10 (05) “…recovery time.”

Also, the department of education is telling schools they should prepare to close for three to five days if the school environment is determined to be a source of ongoing COVID-19 spread. Carter hopes schools have a plan in place to do a deep clean

Cut 11 (08) “…any return.”

_________________________________________________________

Shreveport Republican Alan Seabaugh is once again pushing his petition to end Louisiana’s state of emergency because of COVID-19.  Seabaugh needs the support of 53 other lawmakers in the House and says the spread mitigation restrictions have been extended too long.

Cut 12 (11) “…to having 53.”

While it is unclear if Seabaugh has enough backing, Rosepine Republican Charles Owen is among those showing support for the measure and believes lawmakers need more input on the decision making of advancing the state in reopening.

Cut 13 (08) “…ahead of time.”  

Louisiana has seen over 53,000 COVID-19 cases and 3,000 fatalities.  Baton Rouge Democrat Denise Marcelle opposes the movement saying it is not a good idea…

Cut 14 (07) “…risk peoples’ lives.”

Marcelle applauds the Governor’s decision making and feels sacrificing human life is not worth it for a quicker economic bounce back.

Cut 15 (11) “…a business open.” 

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announces the city will enforce the use of face masks, due to the uptick of coronavirus cases. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

_____________________________________

There are many myths circulating about virus spread mitigation efforts with masks, but in the wake of rising COVID-19 numbers, health officials are debunking them. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________________________

A resolution calling for a task force on policing policy creates a heated disagreement on the House floor. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________________

As coronavirus hospitalizations increase across the nation the American Psychiatric Nurses Association says they are seeing significant mental health impacts on healthcare providers that work on the frontlines. APNA President Tari Dilks says because patients are having to die alone to mitigate the spread of the virus, nurses are having to offer the comfort that family members would normally provide.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…family members”

While many states and hospitals are offering counseling for healthcare workers, Dilks encourages those with family members and loved ones working on the frontlines to be supportive of the situation.

Cut 5 (10)  …good diet” 

Dilks says the increased workload from COVID-19 on healthcare providers is having an emotional impact.  With other crises for example hurricanes, those on the frontline know that the increased workload will eventually taper off.

Healthcare providers are witnessing COVID patients suffer to a greater extent compared to other diseases and Dilks says it’s having an acute impact on their mental state and could lead to PTSD.

Cut 6 (12) “…slowly to death”

________________________

Governor Edwards’ new proclamation of extending Phase Two reopening for another 28 days is officially issued today.  Edwards says when ranking of states by per capita COVID-19 cases, Louisiana is ranked 7^th, down three spots from its previous best ranking.

Cut 7 (08) “…doing more testing.”

245,000 tests have been done in the state this month with no plans to slow those efforts down.

Edwards is alarmed by the growing numbers or younger individuals testing positive for the virus and encourages them to take mitigation efforts seriously.  Edwards says while younger people think they may be untouchable by the virus, they can suffer poor health outcomes, including death.

Cut 8 (12) “…may last forever.”

Edwards says there is not a path forward in continuing to reopen the economy without more intense participation from the public in spread mitigation efforts.

Cut 9 (07) “…to do it.”

__________________________________

Governor Edwards says wearing a mask is one of the best tools the public has in fighting COVID-19 spread and during Wednesday’s press briefing, time was taken to debunk some myths about face coverings. State health officer Doctor Jimmy Guidry says it’s a myth that they are not effective.

Cut 10 (11) “…an important part.”

Guidry says a mask reduces the risk of someone sharing the virus with others through exhaled particles, and for it to have maximum effect, it needs to cover the nose, not just the mouth like another myth would lead some to believe.

Guidry highlights the myth that if someone isn’t feeling sick, they should not wear a mask, but he says asymptomatic people still can spread the virus.

Cut 11 (08) “…that’s a fact.”

Guidry says the idea that someone can wearing a mask and resume life as normal without any other spread mitigation efforts is also incorrect, adding that the combination of efforts further reduces transmission rates.

Cut 12 (06) “…avoid large crowds.”

____________________________

The House unanimously passes a resolution to create a task force to study policing policy after removing language mentioning the killing of George Floyd.

Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala backed the effort but expressed frustration that there isn’t adequate appreciation for the dangers of police work. Bacala says since 2017…

Cut 13 (07) “…duty” 

Bacala, a former state trooper, says police are far more likely to be killed in the line of duty than African Americans are to be killed by police.

Cut 14 (07) “…about”

Baton Rouge Representative Ted James responded, saying people who murder cops get arrested, while cops who murder black men get taxpayer-funded vacations and rarely suffer consequences.

Cut 15 (09) “…action.”

James was animated in his comments, detailing what he says was an agreement between Republican leaders and the Black Caucus to pass the resolution by stripping it of language mentioning George Floyd and holding no floor speeches about policing. After the amendments stripping the bill passed, Bacala made his comments, leading to James accusing GOP leaders of duplicity.

James called for a reckoning on racial profiling and mentioned an incident where he was confronted by Baton Rouge police while with other black men. He says he showed the officers he was a lawmaker…

Cut 16 (13) “…of them” 

The resolution, by Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields, heads back to the Senate for approval of the House made changes.

Medical marijuana patients will soon enjoy cheaper treatments. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

The state reported 882 more coronavirus cases today, one day after Louisiana reported over 13-hundred new cases. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

The family of a gay teenager stabbed in the neck and wrists believes 18-year-old Holden White of Kaplan is the victim of a hate crime. But Lafayette Police is not pursuing hate crime charges. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says the evidence has to be clear that the attack occurred because White is gay…

Cut 3 (09) ”…problematic”  

Police have arrested 19-year-old Chance Seneca and charged him with attempted second-degree murder, but no hate crime charges have been added. Borghardt says police officers and prosecutors sometimes do not want to pursue hate crime charges, because it makes the case more complicated

Cut 4 (11)_ “…discrimination”

Lafayette Police say the evidence shows there are other motives on why the attack occurred. White reportedly met Seneca on a gay dating app and police say the two got into an argument which led to Seneca stabbing White. Borghardt says a hate crime is a very serious charge…

Cut 5 (06)  “…stiff penalty”

White is in intensive care, but his family says his condition is improving.

_________________________________________________

The state’s only current medical marijuana grower announces it will lower its prices as a result of a new law that greatly expands access to the treatment.

Wellcana CEO John Davis says the price reductions will allow pharmacies to sell the product at the average price for the nation’s more mature markets.

Cut 6 (11) “…is.”

Currently, patients have to pay hundreds of dollars a month to afford their medical marijuana prescriptions. Medical marijuana is not covered by health insurance because it’s still illegal under federal law.

Davis says the price reduction will hit their bottom line, but they believe by lowering the price they can significantly expand the market.

Cut 7 (11) “…count.”

In addition to lowering the price, Wellcana will soon begin offering a concentrated product that can be blended into food and drinks.

Davis says the soon-to-be law makes up to three million adults potential customers.

Cut 8 (12) “…patients”

The law expanding access goes into effect on August 1^st.

_____________________________________________________

The Acadiana region is outpacing other regions of the state in new COVID-19 cases.  The region’s case count of Tuesday was the highest on record and Dr. Tina Stefanski, regional medical director of the Office of Public Health in Acadiana, believes the area is just late to see the first wave.

Cut 9 (09) “…experiencing such increases.”

On Tuesday, 354 cases came from the region, making up more than a quarter of the state’s total case count, nearly double the share of the next highest region.

Of the tests taken in the region, 11.1% came back positive, higher than the federal recommendations in moving forward in economic reopening.  Stefanski says the age groups that are the most problematic are the younger demographics.

Cut 10 (10) “…then 30 to 39.”

Stafanski hopes that young adults will begin to heed the advice of health officials by avoiding crowds and limiting activities, as it will help protect those most at risk for poor outcomes.

Cut 11 (12) “…maintain a distance.”
The region’s hospitalizations have increased by 40% in four days.

_________________________________________________________

The House approves legislation protecting public and private schools from civil suits by students or teachers who say they got COVID on school grounds.

Amite Representative Robby Carter says a school board superintendent told him this bill was vital to actually having students back in classrooms come fall.

Cut 12 (11) “…learning”

The vote was 82-17.

But New Orleans Representative Gary Carter feels the legislation would allow schools to violate COVID health regulations and be shielded from repercussions.

Cut 13 (11) “…support it”  

Supporters of the bill say it still allows for suits in cases of demonstrable gross negligence.

But bill sponsor, Denham Springs Representative Buddy Mincey contends it’s needed because it’s impossible to prove exactly where students or teachers get their COVID infections.

Cut 14 (10) “…there”

The bill is retroactive to March 11^th and applies to all K-12, charter, and public and private schools along with all public and private colleges and universities.

____________________

A proposal that will result in many of Louisiana’s essential workers receiving a 250-dollar check from the state continues to make its way through the legislative process. The Senate Revenue Fiscal Affairs committee approved the bill Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins

Cut 15 (08) “…eligible” 

Grocery store workers, first responders, nurses, bus drivers, and others who were forced to work during the first few weeks of the pandemic would receive the stimulus check if they make less than 50-thousand dollars. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter complimented Jenkins on the legislation

Cut 16 (12) “ won’t allow that…

The money will come from the one-point-eight billion dollars the state received in federal coronavirus relief funding.

Fire marshals are fanning out across the state doing courtesy visits to businesses to help increase COVID compliance. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

 A Senate committee will take up the budget this afternoon. Matt Doyle has the status of the spending plan for the fiscal year starting in July…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

Governor Edwards expects the upcoming school year to start on time, with kids back in the classroom. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_______________________________________________

State Fire Marshal deputies will perform random courtesy visits to businesses in an effort to help owners better comply with COVID spread mitigation restrictions.

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says they will visit various businesses with the goal of increasing compliance.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…they’re not”

Browning says they’re not looking to bust owners for breaking COVID regulations, they’re hoping to help them correct any mistakes.

Cut 5 (05)  “employees” 

Browning says most businesses are doing their best to be compliant. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Steve Waguespack agrees and says owners want to limit COVID spread because it’s good for business.

Cut 6 (08) “…customers”

Waguespack says the one issue business owners have with current COVID guidelines is their lack of specificity for what are fairly common situations…

Cut 7 (10) “…I mean.”

________________________

The Senate Finance Committee will take up the 34 billion dollar budget for the next fiscal year this afternoon.

Lapolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford expects it to be approved, but notes crafting the budget is tricky because total revenue could change if a series of COVID relief tax breaks are passed.

Cut 8 (11) “…to walk.”

Several of the larger tax break bills headed to the Senate floor have been redirected back to Senate Finance for further review after winning approval in another committee.

Federal relief dollars plugged most of the, at one point, billion-dollar shortfall, but some cuts in healthcare and higher ed are still planned. Alford says early year promises for more early childhood education funding and teacher pay raises had to be abandoned as well.

Cut 9 (07) “…dollars.”

The state constitution requires the budget to be balanced.

Lawmakers only have a week left to pass the budget which still has to clear the Senate and head back to the House. Alford says that compressed timeline will likely mean fewer fights over its contents.

Cut 10 (08) “…governor”

Alford expects lawmakers will likely be back in Baton Rouge in the fall for a midyear budget review once the state has a better idea of the economic impact of COVID.

________________________

Governor Edwards expects campuses of K-12 schools as well as colleges and universities to reopen in August. Edwards says the latest COVID-19 metrics concerning young people is concerning as to how that will impact heading back to school.

Cut 11 (11) “…do so safely.”

Edwards made the statement during his announcement of the 28-day extension of the Phase Two reopening.

Edwards says the school experience will likely look much different, adding students will not have as much intermingling with those not in their classroom.

Cut 12 (04) “…having school assemblies.”

Edwards says formulating the model for what the school will look like on the first day of class will largely be dependent upon what the circumstances are at that time.

Cut 13 (11) “…for and contengencies” 

Thursday night at 6 o’clock, Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley will tell the Senate Education Committee his plan for reopening K-12 schools.

_________________________________

A Tuesday morning crash in Zachary claims the life of an 11-year-old and results in the arrest of 27-year-old Treasure Charles of Gonzales.  Trooper Taylor Scrantz says Charles was traveling southbound on US Hwy 61 in a box truck when she struck a disabled vehicle in the roadway.

Cut 14 (07) “…killed upon impact.”

The child was unrestrained and has been identified as Wayne Ford of Baton Rouge, who was the rear seat passenger in the disabled vehicle.  The driver and front seat passenger of the Lexus were also unrestrained at the time of the crash and sustained moderate injuries. They were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Scrantz says the crash is just the latest in string of fatalities Troop A has responded to in the last week or so.

Cut 15 (09) “…a family member.”

Charles is being charged with negligent homicide, negligent injury, and careless operation.  Scrantz says impairment is not suspected, but says the investigation continues.

Cut 16 (13) “…District Attorney’s office.” 

________________________________

Two more members from the Saints Super Bowl team will be inducted into the team’s hall of fame later this year. Offensive guard Jahri Evans and safety Roman Harper were both drafted in 2006 and were starters when the Black and Gold won the Super Bowl a few years later. Saints Coach Sean Payton says Evans and Harper were great players and had a tremendous impact in the lockerroom

Cut 17  (19) “…at safety” 

After being drafted in the fourth round in 2006 out of Bloomsburg, Evans went on to play eleven seasons with the Saints. During that time he was selected to five straight All-Pro teams and selected to six consecutive pro bowls. Evans is appreciative of the honor

Cut 18  (19) “…great season”   

New Orleans selected Harper in the second round out of Alabama. He played in 124 games with the Saints, with 108 starts. Harper recorded 775 tackles, seven sacks, 53 passes defended, 13 forced fumbles, and three fumble recovers. Harper says the Saints have meant so much to his life

cut 19 (17) “…to em”  

The state is monitoring an alarming trend of COVID-19 case numbers increasing among 18 to 29-year-olds in the state. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”  

____________________________

A Monday crash claims the lives of five people in Avoyelles Parish after a pickup truck crosses the centerline, slamming head-on into an oncoming van. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________

Young people ages 18 to 29 lead the state in positive COVID-19 cases for a total of just under nine thousand. That’s approximately 19-hundred more than those 60 and older. Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Alex Billoux says the uptick could due to the age group returning the workforce or a misconception about the virus.

Cut 3 (12) ”…than the flu”  

Due to an outbreak of more than 100 cases linked to Tigerland Bars near the LSU campus, Fred’s bar will offer testing to college students on Thursday in the parking lot.

Billoux says the increase among 18 to 29-year-olds is concerning because of the impact they can have on their families.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…across our state”

Hospitalizations increased from the previous day by 16 for a total of 646 and vent usage is up by 14 for a total of 83. Billoux says the upward trend is concerning.

Cut 5 (08)  “…healthcare capacities”

_________________________________________________

Five people are dead and six others are injured following a three-vehicle crash on LA Highway 29 in Avoyelles Parish. State Police Trooper Casey Wallace says it started when a Ford pickup driven by 21-year-old Derrick Kyle, Jr., of Cottonport crossed the centerline, striking an oncoming van.

Cut 6 (12) “…could have happened.”

Kyle and 20-year-old Jada Cook of Marksville were both killed.  A third truck passenger, a juvenile, sustained serious injuries.

After the initial collision and both vehicles came to a stop in the highway, a Toyota Corolla struck the van, with the driving sustaining minor injuries.  Wallace says the van that was hit head-on was carrying seven passengers.

Cut 7 (08) “…a local hospital.”

Those victims were identified as 60-year-old Steven Freeman and 55-year-old Hayward Petre, Jr., both of Ville Platte, as well as 50-year-old Jacoby Mayes of Eunice.

Troop E Troopers have investigated 25 fatal crashes resulting in 31 fatalities so far in 2020.  Wallace says the message to the public is just to keep aware of what is going on when you are on the road.

Cut 8 (07) “…of your surroundings.”

_____________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reports a third straight month of over-the-year increases in fishing license sales. LDWF Undersecretary Bryan McClinton says the uptick began in the days following the Governor’s stay at home order in March.

Cut 9 (10) “…engaging in fishing.”

Over 51,000 fishing licenses were sold in May 2020 compared to over 38,000 in May 2019. June is currently on track to continue the sales trend.

McClinton says fishing is a great activity to remain social while keeping a distance from others.

Cut 10 (07) “…go enjoy that.”

McClinton says the purchase of a license will not break the bank and can be done at one of the LDWF’s approved vendors or online at WLF.LA.gov.

Cut 11 (05) “…your actual license.”

Funding from the license sales goes toward safety enforcement on the waterways, biological testing on fish and wildlife, fighting invasive vegetation and other programs.
_________________________________________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy says Congress is working on another round of federal economic relief but feels the 600 dollar a week federal unemployment benefit must be changed.

Cassidy says the unemployed must not be allowed to collect more in unemployment benefits than they made at their last job.

Cut 12 (06) “…society”

Cassidy says one of his constituents says the unemployment benefits are making it difficult to staff their business as the economy begins to reopen.

Cut 13 (07) “…work.”  

Cassidy says instead of pushing for additional federal benefits he’d like to see unemployed workers moved into job openings that are becoming available.

Cut 14 (10) “…employed”

State leaders warn a 300 million dollar small business grant program set to open sometime in July could go fast. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

Governor Edwards is alarmed by the growing numbers in tracking COVID-19, which has resulted in the state not moving to Phase Three. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________________________

Tort reform legislation clears the Senate and is headed back to the House, but without a past provision that required insurers to lower rates should it become law. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________________

An estimated 450,000 Louisiana small businesses who’ve been impacted by COVID-19 economic shutdowns could qualify to receive grants from a fund set to start disbursing money next month.

State Treasurer John Schroder says despite the limited funds they’re pushing to make sure every business owner, no matter how small, knows they could be eligible.

Cut 4 (06)_ “….happens”

For the first 21 days, only businesses with one to forty-nine employees as of March 1^st that have received no federal aid can apply.

The 300 million dollars set aside from the program is drawn from 1.8 billion in federal relief dollars sent to the state. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt noted that math…

Cut 5 (05)  “business” 

Not all businesses who qualify may receive grants if the fund runs out. Schroder says the program will hand out grants on a first come first served basis based on the date upon which the company applied.

Cut 6 (08) “…money”

40 million dollars of the program has been set aside specifically for veteran, women, and minority-owned businesses.

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Governor Edwards cites the increase in COVID-19 cases for keeping Louisiana from advancing to Phase Three of economic reopening. Louisiana is among 23 states where cases are increasing. Edwards says most of those states are in the south, so it now debunks the theory that heat and humidity would hinder the virus.

Cut 7 (06) “…of our country.”

Edwards says the percentage of case growth among young people is increasing dramatically in Louisiana and believes that is because that age group may be more hesitant to follow restrictions because they know they are not personally at the same risk level as older people.

Cut 8 (10) “…Orleans and elsewhere.”

Edwards pledges to have officials be more active in monitoring business’s spread mitigation efforts with courtesy visits and suggestions on improvements. Edwards says the state has not shutdown or revoked any permits for failing to follow spread mitigation measures, but…

Cut 9 (11) “…option for us.”

The state will remain in Phase Two for at least another 28 days.

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A cloud of Saharan dust is crossing the Atlantic and is set to arrive in Louisiana by Wednesday bringing with it more COVID-19 concerns.  The dust consists of tiny mineral rock particles from Africa. While it can produce vivid sunsets, the head of environmental sciences at LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. James Diaz, says it poses a risk to those with underlying health conditions.

Cut 10 (10) “…of getting COVID-19.”

Those with asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and heart conditions should be most cautious.  Diaz says the dust can also impact pollen allergy sufferers and possibly increase the transmission of COVID-19.

Cut 11 (10) “…a dust particle.”

Diaz says the best defense is keeping tabs on air quality alerts and staying indoors or be ready with a face covering if you do have to be outside.

Cut 12 (12) “…pre-existing lung condition.”

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The Senate passes lawsuit reform legislation that supporters believe may help lower auto insurance rates.

The bill lowers the jury trial threshold to 10,000 dollars, prevents insurance company’s names from being mentioned in court, and removes a gag order on whether a crash victim was wearing a seat belt. Bossier City Senator Barrow Peacock says it’s not as strong as past efforts, but…

Cut 13 (04) “…triple” 

Past tort efforts had jury trial thresholds of 5,000 dollars and barred plaintiffs from suing auto insurance companies as opposed to just keeping their name secret in court. They also included a two year prescriptive period for filing suits.

Democrats fumed over the legislation’s lack of any wording requiring auto insurance rates to go down if the bill were to pass. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says it does nothing for drivers…

Cut 14 (08) “…support it”

This stripped-down legislation removed pieces of prior efforts that Evangeline Parish Senator Heather McCloud says would address the state’s sky-high commercial auto insurance rates.

Cut 15 (12) “…crisis.”

McCloud ultimately supported the legislation. The vote was 29-9 and the bill will now return to the House for a final vote.

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Louisiana has surpassed 50-thousand COVID-19 cases and three-thousand deaths. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Tulane researchers develop a potential synthetic antibody treatment that could provide COVID immunity for one to two weeks at a time. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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A Senate-approved bill that would provide an 83-million dollar tax break over five years for the state’s casinos and race tracks moved closer to final passage as the House Ways and Means Committee approved it today. Crowley Representative John Stefanski voiced his support for the bill and the gaming industry

Cut 3 (11) ”…good idea”  

Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns’ legislation would allow each casino to give customers five-million dollars in free promotional play wagers without having to pay state taxes on those amounts. Johns says such a move will help attract people back to casinos, which would lead to more tax revenue from the gaming industry

Cut 4 (08)_ “…we’re doing”

The bill passed the Senate last week on 26-8 vote. There are some lawmakers who oppose tax breaks for businesses because the state is experiencing a decline in revenues. But Johns says providing a tax break on promotional play wagers will help the gaming industry bounce back from the COVID shutdown

Cut 5 (10)  “…state revenue”

The measure heads to the full House for more discussion.

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The Department of Health is aiming to prevent crisis situations with the launch of the Behavioral Health Recovery Outreach Line. Assistant secretary of the Office of Behavioral Health Karen Stubbs says this line is aimed at relapse prevention in those struggling with stress during the pandemic.

Cut 6 (12) “…or co-occurring disorders.”

Louisiana does have other crisis lines and Stubbs says the hotline model is one that has proven to be an effective resource for those with mental health disorders. Calls received range from those having a tough day to those self-identifying the warning signs of mental or emotional changes.

Cut 7 (07) “…to the caller.”

Stubbs says those working the line are also equipped with the general information about COVID-19.

Cut 8 (06) “…lack of information.”

The phone number is 1-833-333-1132.

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Saturday was the first day of early voting for the July 11th Presidential Preference Primary and election officials say they’ve already received 48-thousand mail-in ballots. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says for this election, Louisiana has expanded the acceptable reasons for eligible voters to request an absentee ballot

Cut 9 (09) “…career”

Pollster John Couvillon says the 48-thousand mail-in votes is the highest first-day mail in volume dating back to 2008.

Anyone who is at a high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, caring for a high-risk person, or experiencing COVID symptoms, can also request an absentee ballot. He says more than 116-thousand absentee ballots have been requested…

Cut 10 (08) “…July 10th.”

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. Ardoin says returning your mail-in ballot is simple…

Cut 11 (04) “…voters office.”

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Tulane researchers develop a synthetic antibody treatment for COVID-19 that’s shown promising results in lab mice. Tulane Internal Medicine Chair Dr. Jay Kolls says their protein, MDR504, is able to get into the lungs and neutralize coronavirus in the place where it is most likely to do damage.

Cut 12 (06) “…cells”

Kolls says the treatment is similar to antibody treatment for RSV, a respiratory illness most commonly seen in preterm infants.

Kolls says this treatment is not cost-effective enough to replace a vaccine, but…

Cut 13 (10) “…canidates.”  

Data from the study indicates patients would receive a dose of the antibody every one to two weeks to maintain immunity.

Kolls says the hope is to get this treatment into human trials sometime in the fall, which is impressive considering they started work on MDR504 in March…

Cut 14 (08) “…project”

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Governor Edwards announces the state will not move into Phase 3 of reopening its economy and it will remain in Phase 2 for another 28 days. Edwards says Louisiana is one of 23 states experiencing an increase in cases and hospitalizations are also on the rise…

Cut 15 (13) “…be hospitalized.” 

Health officials say there are 41 more people hospitalized compared to the day before. That’s the single biggest jump since April 20th.

Edwards made the announcement on the day Louisiana surpassed 50-thousand COVID-19 cases and three-thousand deaths

Cut 16 (10) “…COVID-19”