Louisiana’s television and film industry has felt the impact of COVID-19, but when will it start to come back?  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_____________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries wants you to take part in a Free Fishing Weekend this Saturday and Sunday. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

___________________________________________

The FAFSA priority deadline for 2020 high school grads is fast approaching. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________________

COVID-19 has put the brakes on the state’s television and film productions, but it is believed the industry will resume soon.  Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment Chris Stelly anticipates cameras will roll again in July or August.

Cut 4 (08) “…them in reentry.”

There is some uncertainty as to how quickly the industry will come back and at what volume, but Stelly says each production will have to make the determination as to how fast they want to move back into operations.

Cut 5 (07) “…in the state.”

Film industry unions and guilds have recently issued guidance for best practices when it comes to resuming productions in a safe manner.  Stelly anticipates spread mitigation efforts will be ramped up, including extra cleaning on set, smaller crews, and increased hygienic practices.

Cut 6 (11) “…will be production.”
______________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is encouraging you to grab a pole and take part in their annual Free Fishing Weekend this Saturday and Sunday. That means you do not need a license to fish. LDWF spokesperson Ed Pratt says it is the perfect time for experienced anglers to introduce the sport to a novice.

Cut 7 (12) “…out there too.”

Pratt reminds you to be safe while fishing by practicing social distancing and keep your groups to ten or less.

Cut 8 (10) “…them on too.”

Many families are looking for safe outdoor activities during the COVID pandemic. Pratt says Free Fishing Weekend is the ideal opportunity

Cut 9 (09) “…the virus.”

LDWF reminds the public that anytime outside Free Fishing Weekend, anglers 16 and older must possess a fishing license when fishing in any Louisiana public waters.

For information on purchasing a license, you can go to https://la-web.s3licensing.com/

________________________________________

LOSFA has begun processing 2020 high school graduates TOPS eligibility and is asking students to fill out their FAFSA before the July 1^st priority deadline.

LOFSA Executive Director Sujuan Boutte says 2020 grads need to set up their Student Hub account ASAP to track the status of their TOPS application.

Cut 10 (13) “…study.”

Boutte advises students to use the exact same name and spelling on all documents to prevent processing errors.

The deadline to file your ACT score has been extended to September 30^th, but Boutte still wants you to submit your current scores. If you test again later and score higher…

Cut 11 (08) “…hub.”

The extension came as part of a gubernatorial order aimed at helping students impacted by COVID-related disruptions.

The COVID disruption has many students contemplating just sitting out the fall semester. Boutte says if you do, that’s fine but still file now in case your change your mind.

Cut 12 (11) “…gone”

For the 2019-2020 academic year, 54,000 students received 302 million dollars in benefits from the TOPS program.

______________________________

Louisiana Pandemic EBT cards are arriving this week for the first round of applicants.  The money is to help offset the cost of food for school children who would normally get free or reduced-price school meals.  Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says be careful not to confuse it with junk mail.

Cut 13 (05) “…is money inside.” 

Instead, it’s a plain white envelope with an Austin, Texas, return address. Those who have applied between May 25 and June 1 should expect to receive their cards by June 13.

Dunn says the average family will receive $285 per eligible child in a one-time time installment.

Cut 14 (11) “…receive those benefits.”

Dunn says the deadline to sign up for P-EBT has been extended to 4:30 PM on June 15^th and it will not be extended again.  So far, applications have been received on behalf of about 450,000 eligible children.

Cut 15 (09) “…about 700,000 children.”

____________________________________________

Legislation creating the framework to tax online fantasy sports passes a House committee and is headed to the House floor.

The bill sets an eight percent tax rate on net revenue for the activity and mandates those funds must be spent on early childhood education. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes applauded it.

Cut 16 (07)  our state” 

47 parishes approved cash prize based online fantasy sports gaming, an activity that is mostly limited to the sites DraftKings and FanDuel.

The fiscal note estimates only about 365,000 dollars of revenue will be generated every year. Bill sponsor Crowley Representative John Stefanski says it’s not much, but every little bit helps.

Cut 17  (07) “…forward” 

If this tax plan were to be signed into law by Governor Edwards online fantasy sports gaming could be up and running in the state for the coming football season.

________________________________

An attorney for the family of Tommy McGlothen, a black man who died while in the custody of Shreveport police believes the officers involved should be fired and charged with murder. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

____________________________

A resolution calling for more study into policing practices leads to a tense argument in a House Committee. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

During the regular session, lawmakers passed criminal justice reform measures that advocates say will cut down on recidivism. One bill allows parolees to check in with their officers virtually. Pelican Institute CEO Daniel Erspamer says this saves parolees from taking off from work to meet their parole officer.

Cut 3 (08)  “…work.”  

That bill, HB 77, was brought by Eunice Representative Patrick Devillier.

Another bill requires the Department of Corrections to issue ID cards to those leaving prison. Erspamer says the ID is tailor-made to help those recently released find employment.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…job”

SB 354 was brought by Covington Senator Patrick McMath.

Erspamer also highlighted a resolution continuing a commission dedicated to studying criminal justice system funding. He says right now much of the funds come from fines and fees on poor people…

Cut 5 (11)  “…ago.”

That resolution was brought by Houma Representative Tanner Magee. The commission was first formed in 2019.

_________________________________________________

New Orleans moves into phase two of economic reopening on Saturday.  CEO of New Orleans and Company, the city’s convention and visitor’s bureau, Mark Romig says the easing of regulations will increase maximum capacity from 25 to 50-percent at restaurants and museums

Cut 6 (09) “…zoo is open.”

Romig says Bourbon Street will see a little more life as bars that do not have a food permit will reopen.

Cut 7 (08) “…in the city.”

A New Orleans staple will not return during the second phase, but Romig says we’ll eventually see live music again in the city.

Cut 8 (06) “…and concert halls.”

Harrah’s Casino will also reopen at 25% capacity.

_______________________

A lawyer representing the family of Thomas McGlothen, a 44-year-old black man who died in police custody, says the four police officers shown in a video beating him, should be fired and charged with murder. The four officers are on leave, but attorney James Carter says their badges should have been stripped immediately

Cut 9 (04) “…happen here.”

McGlothen died April 6th, but a Shreveport TV station released the video of his encounter with police this week. Caddo Parish Coroner Doctor Todd Thoma says McGlothen died from excited delirium, a sudden death of individuals who are combative and in an agitated state. Carter calls that junk science

Cut 10 (06) “…all that is.”

The coroner says McGlothen’s death could have been preventable if officers reacted to his medical condition. Carter says that’s enough proof the responding cops should be fired…

Cut 11 (10) “…McGlothen.”

Carter says McGlothen suffered from mental illness. The corner’s report says the injuries sustained from police tasing and hitting him did not result in his death.

_______________________________

The House Governmental Affairs Committee argued today over a resolution to create a 19-member panel to study policing policies. The legislation referenced the killing of George Floyd as a reason for establishing the study group. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson took issue with that…

Cut 12 (08) “Louisiana”

But New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says the response to Floyd’s killing has been historic, and its the impetus behind a nationwide interest in policing policy.

Cut 13 (10) “…protests”  

The resolution mentioned the killing of black men by white police officers and questioned the treatment of minorities by law enforcement. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton called it racist.

Cut 14 (07) “…elected”

But resolution sponsor Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says people should instead be insulted by ongoing issues of police brutality.

Cut 15 (06)“  actions” 

The resolution ultimately passed the House Governmental Affairs Committee but was amended to remove any mention of George Floyd. It moves to the House floor.

The Caddo Parish coroner rules that a 44-year-old man died of natural causes while in the custody of the Shreveport Police Department, but his death could possibly have been prevented. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

____________________________

Governor Edwards says Memorial Day weekend did not result in a significant increase in the transmission of COVID-19. Edwards has a few thoughts as to why…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

Caddo Parish Coroner Doctor Todd Thoma says a 44-year-old man died of natural causes while in the custody of the Shreveport Police Department on April sixth, but his death could have been preventable. Thoma says Tommie McGlothen Junior died from excited delirium

Cut 3 (09)  “…stimulant use.”  

Authorities say police officers used tasers, mace, and nightsticks to control McGlothen, who also fought with another citizen before law enforcement arrived. Thoma says McGlothen’s death could have possibly prevented, but he was left in the back of a patrol vehicle for 48 minutes…

Cut 4 (10)_ “…medical care”

Thoma says the autopsy showed McGothen suffered multiple blunt force injuries from his confrontations with police and citizens, but his injuries were minor. But He says a violent confrontation with psychotic behavior can trigger excited delirium and he should have received medical care

Cut 5 (11)  “…rapidly fatal.”

Shreveport Police Chief Ben Raymond says the four officers involved in McGlothen’s arrest are on departmental leave and State Police is reviewing the case.

_________________________________________________

A third person has died from complications of a drowning incident on Grand Isle on Friday. 33-year-old Terrell Miller of Houma died in a hospital following his attempt to rescue his fiance’s children, 9-year-old Dalvin Richardson and 8-year-old Davon Richardson. Grand Isle Police Chief Laine Landry says a day of celebration turned tragic in an instant.

Cut 6 (05) “…was Davon’s birthday.”

A 12-year-old female relative who was also rescued is expected to make a full recovery.

Over the last two weeks, there have been eleven calls for water rescues, with four fatalities. In addition to larger crowds, Landry believes there are three other contributing factors to the dangerous conditions.

Cut 7 (12) “…for beach protection.”

Landry says they are sending a clear message to beach goers about being vigilant of rough seas and strong currents.

Cut 8 (11) “…public access points.”

_______________________

It’s been two weeks since Memorial Day weekend and Governor Edwards says he’s heartened to see the state did not experience a significant surge in COVID transmission as a result of the holiday.

Edwards says they have a few theories as to why transmissions did not spike…

Cut 9 (11) “…to do.”

Many states are seeing transmission rates increase as they reopen, but Edwards says that does not appear to be the case in Louisiana outside of the Monroe Region…

Cut 10 (10) “…there.”

Louisiana saw an increase in new case growth last week but continues to see fewer hospitalizations. Edwards says that may just be a result of our significantly expanded testing capacity.

An LSU poll that showed 62 percent wear a mask always or often when leaving the house, up from just 48 percent in April. Edwards thanked residents for being responsible and masking up…

Cut 11 (07) “…as well.”

The poll indicated that 76 percent of people agree that wearing a mask is the responsible thing to do.

_______________________________

An East Feliciana Parish judge has voided the first-degree murder charge of accused serial killer Ryan Sharpe as the result of a recent US Supreme Court decision that bans non-unanimous convictions. Sharpe’s Attorney Tommy Damico says his client was convicted by jurors 11 to 1 last December…

Cut 12 (12) “motion”

The First Degree Murder charge was for the killing of 48-year-old Brad DeFranceschi, one of three men Sharpe is accused of fatally shooting during a killing spree in East Baton Rouge and East Feliciana parishes in 2017. Authorities say Sharpe shot and wounded a fourth person.

A new trial has been scheduled for December. Damico says he will try to convince a new jury that his client was insane at the time of the shootings.

Cut 13 (13) “…insanity”  

Physiatrists in the first trial raised doubts that Sharpe had a mental illness.

Damico says non-unanimous jury verdicts are unjust and he’s glad the High Court’s ruling will give his client another chance.

Cut 14 (08) “…justice”

After a sharp decline in vaccinations, state health officials urge residents to get back on track with preventative healthcare.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

The LSU football team begins summer workouts tomorrow. Jeff Palermo has more on the national champs’ COVID-19 mitigation efforts…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health is reminding the public to catch up on the routine vaccinations that went by the wayside due to coronavirus restrictions.  State immunization director Dr. Frank Welch says medical facilities are opened again, it’s time to get back on track.

Cut 3 (10)  “…get their vaccines.”  

State and federal data show a sharp drop in vaccine orders from January through April.

Welch says skipping vaccines can have disastrous consequences.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…something like that.”

For those that may be uneasy about entering a doctor’s office, Welch says most facilities have changed up the experience with spread mitigation efforts.

Cut 5 (12)  “…and preventative healthcare.”

_________________________________________________

As protesters nationwide demand changes in policing policy, Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome says the city’s police union has been an obstruction to reform within the department.

Broome told Talk Louisiana that the union’s problem is that it protects bad apples…

Cut 6 (12) “…cops”

The Baton Rouge Police Union defended Officer Blane Salamoni in the wake of the Alton Sterling shooting, and Broome has previously expressed frustration with their resistance to post-Sterling police reforms.

Broome says they need greater flexibility to identify and remove bad cops from the department, and the union makes that difficult to do.

Cut 7 (08) “…here”

Broome says cops with traceable records of alarming behavior are often the ones victimizing their communities.

Cut 8 (09) “…unequal.”

The Minneapolis City Council announced veto-proof support for moving ahead with dismantling the Minneapolis Police Department in the wake of the death of George Floyd. Broome says they do not plan to pursue a similar policy.

_______________________

The 2020 dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is projected to be four times larger this year than what a task force established in 2001. LSU Marine Science Professor Nancy Rabalais estimates this year’s 77-hundred square mile dead zone is roughly the size of New Hampshire.

Cut 9 (05) “…years.”

The dead zone stretches along the bottom of the continental shelf along Texas and Louisiana.

Fertilizer from Midwest agriculture washes down the Mississippi River, exiting at the mouth forming an area of low oxygen and high nitrogen. Rabalais says the nitrogen loads have remained steady since 1980…

Cut 10 (09) “…Mexico.”

Rabalais says despite recognizing the dead zone issue, the federal government has not been able to tackle the problem.

Cut 11 (08) “…overcome.”

This year is estimated to be the 7^th largest dead zone since measurements began in 1985.

_______________________________

The LSU football team will have to wait one more day before starting voluntary workouts. They were scheduled to begin today, but the campus is closed because of Tropical Storm Cristobal. Senior associate athletic trainer Shelly Mullenix says when players arrived on campus last week they were given an antibody test

Cut 12 (10) “and everything”

Mullenix says they are not testing players daily for coronavirus, but they are screening for the disease. She says there are temperature checks when they enter the football operations building and coaches and players  will answer a CDC questionnaire about their health

Cut 13 (10) “…orchestrated flow”  

Mullenix says if any player tests positive for the coronavirus, a doctor will determine if that person needs to go to the hospital or self isolate in a dorm room…

Cut 14 (05) “…the spread”

The author of the regular session’s signature tort reform bill says they’ll have to fix an unintended error in the legislation during the current special session….

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

_____________________________________

Today is the first day on the job for Louisiana’s new superintendent of education, Cade Brumley…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________________________

Disaster food stamps are not expected to become available with Tropical Storm Cristobal, but state officials say eligible individuals should register now for this hurricane season. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________________

Tort reform supporters say they’ll use the special session to fix an unpopular aspect of a bill approved in the regular session that aimed to lower auto insurance rates. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says the bill has some unfortunate wording that would allow people who suffered minor injuries, collect huge settlements.  

Cut 4 (09) “…afford.”

That one issue appears to have been a potential reason the legislation passed without a veto-proof majority. Talbot says even with that error the bill still had near two-thirds support in both chambers.  

Cut 5 (08) “…there”

Governor Edwards has said he has concerns with the legislation and Democrats have criticized the bill saying it would not lower premiums as supporters claim it would. Talbot is optimistic they can find a compromise with the Governor.  

Cut 6 (07) “…want”

The Governor has yet to indicate if he will veto the legislation. If he does, the  Legislature will have a chance to override.  

______________________________________________________

It’s the first day on the new job for Louisiana’s new Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley who will oversee public schools following the departure of John White. The 39-year-old grew up in Sabine Parish and says as a young kid he wanted to be an educator and this is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Cut 7 (10) “…way to go.”

Brumley most recently was at the helm of the Jefferson Parish school system since 2018. Before that, he was the superintendent for the DeSoto Parish Schools.

Brumley says the ultimate goal is to see more students go on to graduate ready for college and the workforce, but the foundation of that goal is set early.

Cut 8 (11) “…of third grade.”

Brumley acknowledges that the most immediate hurdle ahead is the return to education this fall under the challenges presented by the global pandemic and says he’s considering a spectrum of possibilities.

Cut 9 (13) “…those two places.”

Brumley will be paid $285,000 annually.
________________________________________

Disaster food stamp assistance is not expected for Cristobal, but the Department of Children and Family Services is asking the public to pre-register for what is known as DSNAP assistance for this hurricane season. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says D-SNAP helps people who have lost food as a result of a disaster.

Cut 10 (11) “…snap process”

Walters says low to moderate-income households who are currently not on food stamps will qualify for DSNAP if they’ve lost income or suffered damages from a significant weather event

Cut 11 (09) “…underwater.”

Walters says go to www.dcfs.la.gov/dsnap to register. She says it does not take long to register and registering makes the process much easier and smoother for people to get assistance after a storm causes significant damage…

Cut 12 (10) “*respond.”

Due to technology upgrades in February, households who have registered for DSNAP before must register again.

______________________________

Tropical Storm Cristobal made landfall late yesterday afternoon near Grand Isle with maximum sustained winds at 50 miles per hour. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Cristobal produced a storm surge of six feet in St. Bernard Parish…

Cut 13 (11) “…right hand side” 

Keim says Crisotbal is the second earliest named storm to make landfall in Louisiana history…

Cut 14 (12) “…Atchafalaya Basin”

Keim says sea surface temperatures were warm enough to produce a hurricane, but dry air from the west helped create a lopsided tropical storm that didn’t produce a huge impact in Louisiana…

Cut 15 (12) “…northern side.”

________________________

Could a coronavirus vaccine be ready this fall?  Senator Bill Cassidy says after talking with one drug company, he thinks so.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

New Orleans Police disperse a protest crowd near the Crescent City Connection bridge last night with tear gas. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_____________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy believes a coronavirus vaccination will be ready by October.   Cassidy says he spoke with one of the companies working on a vaccine and is confident one of them could be available by November

Cut 3 (09)  “…than anybody thought.”  

Cassidy says if studies indicate the product is effective and it receives the green light from regulators, there will be an ample supply ready.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…the next day.”

Cassidy says if the product is not effective, he feels confident that other manufacturers will find a solution.

Cut 5 (08)  …Hepatitis B vaccine.”

_________________________________________________

New Orleans Police fired tear gas at George Floyd protestors last night after some of the people in the crowd allegedly began planning to assault a line of officers. NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson says social media videos back up their claim that some elements were organizing an effort to break through police lines and get onto the Crescent City Connection bridge.

Cut 6 (09) “…officers.”

Ferguson also disputed claims that officers fired pellets or other projectiles into the crowd.

Ferguson says after rolling one tear gas canister and firing another from a launcher the crowd began dispersing.

Cut 7 (11) “…individuals”

Protestors had set up on the interstate near the bridge connecting the East and West Bank of New Orleans.

Ferguson says he is disappointed last night’s protest turned violent. He says up until then New Orleans demonstrations had been a model.

Cut 8 (12) “…that.”

_______________________

Cristobal has been downgraded to a tropical depression as the system has moved into southern Mexico. But State Climatologist Barry Keim says the National Hurricane still predicts Cristobal will move back into the Gulf of Mexico tomorrow night and then it will head towards Louisiana’s coast

Cut 9 (04) “…Monday morning”

A flash flood watch is in effect for all of southeast Louisiana until Tuesday morning. Keim says the forecast calls for up to ten inches of rain in the watch area…

Cut 10 (04) “…watch on”

There are no flood watches posted for southwest Louisiana. Keim says that’s because the National Hurricane Center believes the center of the storm will likely come ashore near the New Iberia-Morgan City area and the heaviest rain will be to the east of the center…

Cut 11 (09) “…across Louisiana”
_______________________________

The state reported 429 new coronavirus cases today to bring Louisiana’s total 41,562. The Bayou State has been reporting around 400 cases every day this month. Assistant health secretary Doctor Alex Billioux says we continue to see hundreds of new cases every day because of an increase in testing…

Cut 12 (10) “more cases”

On Thursday, Louisiana recorded nine-thousand new tests and nearly five percent came back positive.

Billioux says seeing more cases is not enough for them to be concerned that the spread of the disease is getting out of hand

Cut 13 (11) “…nursing homes”  

The state is reporting 613 people are hospitalized. That’s a decline of 134 since May 25th.

Restaurants and bars that serve food are prepping to move to Phase Two Friday, but will it be enough to help them keep their doors open. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

_____________________________________

Senator John Kennedy says what happened to George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police was murder.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________________________

Louisiana State Parks were packed over the last two weekends with levels of attendance not seen since 2008. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________________

On Friday restaurants and bars that serve food will be able to open at 50 percent capacity as the state moves into Phase Two.  President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association Stan Harris believes the transition to increase capacity with effective social distancing will help put restaurants on the road to recovery.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…all of us.”

Under Phase One eating establishments were restricted to 25-percent capacity, Friday they can they double that. Harris says Phase One for all practical terms has been a trial run for Phase Two, but as for true economic recovery that won’t be reached until Phase Three.

Cut 5 (10)  …demand builds.”

Tables can be arranged 6 feet apart in Phase Two as opposed to the current eight to ten feet apart. Restaurant workers are still required to wear masks and Harris says even though it makes it difficult to socialize, workers have adapted to the new change.

Cut 6 (06) “…beyond this.”

______________________________________________________

Senator John Kennedy says George Floyd was a victim of murder at the hands of Minneapolis Police but condemns the nationwide rioting and looting in response. Kennedy says the video evidence paints a clear picture.

Cut 7 (11) “…are also culpable.”

Kennedy says he’s all for peaceful demonstrations, but targeting law enforcement officers with violence and aggression is wrong.

Cut 8 (13) “…American as baseball.”

Kennedy believes in Louisiana, demonstrations have gone smoothly but encourages other parts of the country that are seeing an unlawful backlash to activate the National Guard.

Cut 9 (12) “…the business owners.”

________________________________________

Governor Edwards says the state is planning for an active hurricane season and making adjustments to existing preparedness guidelines with COVID-19 in mind.

Edwards says shelters are a major piece of the state’s response efforts but now is not the best time for congregate mega shelters, so…

Cut 10 (13) “…necessary”

Edwards says another issue they’re trying to solve is the potential lack of help from humanitarian groups the state relies upon to provide aid in a crisis.

Cut 11 (10) “…catagory.”

Edwards says the state is also working to establish new deals with our neighbors to house residents should the occasion call for it, despite COVID-19 still being prevalent here.

Cut 12 (09) “either.”

No evacuations are currently planned for Tropical Storm Cristobal, which Edwards says could, in a worst-case scenario, dump 10-15 inches of rain over a 48 hour period on certain parts of the state.

______________________________

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser celebrates the 20,000 Louisianans who packed into state parks over the last two weekends, numbers not seen since 2008.

The state was offering campers a free night if they stayed in a cabin for several nights and Nungesser says the deal appears to have been a hit.

Cut 13 (08) “…available.” 

Nungesser says one popular attraction led the pack in total attendance…

Cut 14 (06) “…islands.”

Nungesser thanked Louisianans for supporting their local tourism economy and says despite the pandemic they’re hard at work winning back the big conferences the state is used to.

Cut 15 (07) “…Miami.”

The truckers voted 80%-20% to move the conference after the state offered free catered seafood and an authentic Louisiana jazz band to change locations.