House Democrats are agitating to end the special session early, saying lawmakers can’t justify charging taxpayers 40,000 dollars a day to continue to tread water. House Democratic Caucus Chair Sam Jenkins penned a letter to the Senate President and House Speaker informing them of the request. He says Republicans laid out three priorities to start the session and we’ve hit the logical end point for all three…

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Jenkins says staying in session all the way until the October 27^th deadline would cost the state two million dollars.

But there’s still some work left to do on one of the session’s most high profile pieces of legislation, the Ka’mauri Harrison Act. That bill was brought in response to the national outcry over Harrison, a Jefferson Parish 4^th grader who was threatened with expulsion and ultimately suspended for several days after briefly handling a BB gun while on camera during an online class.

Jefferson Parish School System representatives came to defend their actions and oppose the bill in Senate Education. Attorney Fred Preis explained why Harrison and Brown were disciplined, and Education Chairman Cleo Fields took issue with the reasoning.

Cut 5 (12) “…property”

River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot told Preis JP’s best bet was to just clear the records of Harrison and another student who was disciplined for a similar reason. Preis pushed back, saying neither child’s long-term academic future will be impacted, and that set Talbot off…

Cut 7 (13) “move on” (Clipped)

The bill heads to the Senate.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris’ bill that would allow the Legislature to withhold construction funds from municipalities that reduce their police budgets by ten percent or more is stalling out in Senate Finance. The Louisiana Municipal Association is actively opposing the measure that Harris says is a response to the “Defund the Police” movement. A compromise is reportedly being worked on.

Legislation inspired by the suspension of a Jefferson Parish 4th grader for having a BB gun in his web camera during class is one step closer to final passage. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (43) “   I’m Matt Doyle”

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A majority of evacuees from Laura and Delta are returning to their homes this week, Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Legislative Democrats say the ongoing special session is turning into a waste of taxpayer money, and are calling for the session to wrap up sometime this week. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The Ka’Mauri Harrison Act is close to final passage after clearing a Senate Committee.

Nyron Harrison, Ka’Mauri’s father, testified once again about how a Jefferson Parish school threatened his son with expulsion for having a BB gun during an online class. This time he was joined by Tim Brown whose son suffered a similar fate.

Cut 4 (10) “…expulsion”

The bill would create an appeals process for students that exists outside of school systems for certain disciplinary actions, and requires all school systems develop and implement a specific COVID-pandemic online education policy.

Jefferson Parish School System representatives were in attendance this time. Attorney Fred Preis explained why Harrison and Brown were disciplined, and Education Chairman Cleo Fields took issue with the reasoning.

Cut 5 (12) “…property”

JP Schools Legislative Liaison Jennifer Ansardi opposed a part of the bill that would make it retroactive to the beginning of the pandemic. She says several school system members are already being sued for this incident…

Cut 6 (08) “…safe”

Preis reiterated that concern and pushed back on a request from River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot that Harrison and Brown’s records be cleared. Preis says neither child’s long-term academic future will be impacted, a comment that set Talbot off…

Cut 7 (13) “move on”

The bill heads to the Senate floor.

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Amendment two on the ballot would change the way oil and gas wells are assessed for property taxes. The current method levies local taxes per well without consideration of the value of the oil or natural gas produced.  Robert Travis Scott, president of the Public Affairs Research Council explains…

Cut 8 (13) “…tax or not.”

Scott says the amendment is supported by accessors and the oil and gas industry.

Cut 9 (08) “will be”

Scott says the proposed change will not necessarily increase or decrease taxes on the oil and gas industry.

Cut 10 (12) “…the well.”

Opponents of the measure say some parishes may receive more in property taxes while others receive less if the value is based on what the well produces versus a per well basis.

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A majority of evacuees from both Laura and Delta, those being housed in mega shelters and hotels in Louisiana and Texas, are returning to their homes this week. Emergency Preparedness Director with DCFS Ricky Montet (Mon-tay) says they have been communicating with evacuees whose homes are now safe to return.

Cut 11 (10) “first assessment”

Montet says with both power and water restored to the affected areas and stores reopening, evacuees are cleared by parish officials to return to livable housing. For those whose homes are not safe…

Cut 12 (07) “is available”.

For evacuees without transportation Montet says they made arrangements with DOTD  and even the Department of Agriculture to assist with large animals.

Cut 13 (08) “them back.”

Montet anticipates a few thousand evacuees will continue to be housed in hotels and shelters, awaiting a long-term solution, either direct housing or FEMA trailer.

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Democrats call for the ongoing special session to wrap up early saying it’s costing the state money and nothing is getting done.

House Democratic Caucus Chair Sam Jenkins penned a letter to the Senate President and House Speaker asking to end the session early, noting it’s costing taxpayers 40,000 dollars a day.

Cut 14 (09) “…any good”

Jenkins estimates staying in session until the last possible day, October 27^th, would cost the state two million dollars.

The special session was called by Republicans who noted three areas of focus: Hurricane recovery, pandemic response, and the Governor’s public health authority. Jenkins says…

Cut 15 (05) “..session”

A bill increasing Legislative oversight of the Governor’s public health orders is stuck in conference committee and a number of House-backed public health bills are awaiting a response in the Senate.

Jenkins notes if the state were to receive any federal pandemic bailout funds in the near future it is likely lawmakers would have to call a third special session for the year…

cut 16 (06) “available”

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The Saints are getting ready for Sunday’s home game against Carolina. They had a chance to enjoy a weekend off, but tight end Jared Cook says it was an uneventful weekend…

cut 17 (22)    to make “

Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport saw his first action of the season in New Orleans last game a 30-27 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Davenport missed the first four games due to injuries to his elbow and toe. Davenport played 21 snaps on defense and had one pass defensed

cut 18 (18) ” develop again” 

Coach Sean Payton hopes they can increase Davenport’s playing time.

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LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says Tigers starting quarterback Myles Brennan is questionable for Saturday night’s home game versus South Carolina. True freshmen TJ Finley and Max Johnson will compete for an opportunity to start against the Gamecocks. Coach Ed Orgeron says when Brennan is healthy from his lower-body injury, he’ll be the starter

cut 19 (19) “.starting quarterback”‘

South Carolina brings a 2-2 record into Tiger Stadium on Saturday night. They have one of the top running backs in the conference. Kevin Harris has rushed 409 yards and four touchdowns. Orgeron says Harris is hard to tackle…

cut 20 (11) “.all around back”

More than a quarter-million Louisianans have voted early in the Presidential election so far, about 90,000 more early votes than we had two days into the 2016 election. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

Heavy rain from Hurricanes Laura and Delta have created large areas across the state for mosquitoes to lay their eggs and due to the recent spike, aerial spraying will begin around dusk on Tuesday. GOHSEP and the Department of Health requested and received supplemental mosquito control assistance from FEMA.

An Auburn researcher has received funding for a yearlong project that will look at how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting poor communities in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Doctor Kelly Dunning says the study will compare how different populations receive their information and which format they trust…
cut 11 (12) “…of information”
Dunning plans to interview five-thousand people and release preliminary results next spring.

LSU starting quarterback Myles Brennen is questionable for Saturday’s game against South Carolina. Coach Ed Orgeron says if Brennan cannot play on Saturday, he’ll make a decision on who will start after Thursday’s practice. He says starting as a true freshman quarterback is not easy, but TJ Finley and Max Johnson know what’s expected from them

Cut 14 (09) “…the offense”

JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says Louisiana Democratic voters are following a nationwide trend of very high early voting participation and appear to be highly enthusiastic about the upcoming Presidential Election. Dems only make up 40 percent of registered voters but comprised 53 percent of first-day voters on Friday…

Cut 7 (10) “…night”

Couvillon predicts total turnout in the state will hit 74 percent by the end of November 3^rd voting.

A Mangham Police Officer is recovering after he was shot during a traffic stop on Saturday night. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 27-year-old Hermandus Semien of Ville Platte shot the officer after stealing a vehicle and robbing a pharmacy in Rayville. Reichardt says the officer will survive after getting shot in the stomach…

Cut 4 (05)   “…thank goodness”   

Because minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 researchers are looking at how they learn about the pandemic. Auburn University has received a National Science Foundation grant to study a variety of demographics in Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. Research leader Dr. Kelly Dunning says people of all income ranges will be interviewed.

Cut 9 (10) “they’ve responded”

The year-long study will interview 5,000 people and they hope to publish preliminary results next Spring.

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says Tigers starting quarterback Myles Brennan is questionable for Saturday’s home game against South Carolina. Orgeron says Brennan has a significant injury to his lower body, an injury that dates back to their loss at Missouri on October 10th

Cut 12 (09) “ ….this game” 

Louisiana has seen record numbers of early voting turnout so far for the Presidential Election. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says anecdotes of voters waiting in long lines to cast an early ballot are strongly supported by the data.

Cut 6 (10) “voted”

Early voting ends October 27^th.

Minorities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and Auburn researchers are working to look at just how crucial public health information is being communicated to minority communities in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Research leader Dr. Kelly Dunning says foreign language speakers will be asked…

Cut 10 (12) “…..view messages”

LSU starting quarterback Myles Brennan is questionable for Saturday’s home game against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The Louisiana House Democratic Caucus is urging leaders of both chambers to end the session and call it a day. House Democratic Caucus Chair, Sam Jenkins says the special session is costing taxpayers more than $40 thousand a day and will tally almost $2-milion if they stay until October 27^th. Jenkins says the session has produced no major solutions for COVID, and hurricane or economic recovery.

The first day of early voting saw a record-breaking 174-thousand votes cast in Louisiana. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says there have also been over 100-thousand people who have voted by mail, so he says 40-percent of the vote could be cast before Election Day…
cut 8 (07) “….year”
Early voting continues through October 27th.

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says Tigers starting quarterback Myles Brennan is questionable for Saturday’s home game versus South Carolina. If Brennan can’t play, the Tigers will have to start a true freshman at Q-B, either Pontchatoula’s TJ Finley or Max Johnson from Georgia. Orgeron says both quarterbacks have the talent to play in the NFL…
Cut 13 (08) “…gonna start”
Brennan got hurt in the loss to Missouri and Coach O says he would not have played last Saturday if the game against Florida had not been postponed.

A Mangham Police Officer is recovering after he was shot during a traffic stop on Saturday night. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 27-year-old Hermandus Semien of Ville Platte shot the officer after stealing a vehicle and robbing a pharmacy in Rayville earlier in the day
Cut 3 (07) “…Franklin Parish”
Semien faces several charges including attempted first-degree murder of a police officer. Reichardt says the officer is expected to survive.

An Auburn researcher has received funding for a yearlong project that will look at how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting poor communities in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Doctor Kelly Dunning says the study will compare how different populations receive their information and which format they trust…
cut 11 (12) “…of information”
Dunning plans to interview five-thousand people and release preliminary results next spring.

More than a quarter-million Louisianans have early voted in the Presidential election so far, about 90,000 more early votes than we had two days into the 2016 election. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

The Carolina Panthers have shut down their facility after an unconfirmed positive COVID-19 result according to ESPN. The Panthers are scheduled to play in the Superdome Sunday, only family of the players, coaches, and staff of the Saints can attend.

Because minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 researchers are looking at how they learn about the pandemic. Auburn University has received a National Science Foundation grant to study a variety of demographics in Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. Research leader Dr. Kelly Dunning says people of all income ranges will be interviewed.

Cut 9 (10) “they’ve responded”

A Mangham police officer is recovering after being shot in the stomach during a traffic stop Sunday night. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 27-year-old Hermandus Semien of Ville Platte shot officer Marshall Waters, after stealing a vehicle and robbing a pharmacy in Rayville. Reichardt says Waters pulled over Semien’s vehicle because he was speeding…

Cut 5 (08) “…Franklin Parish”

Semien faces several charges including first-degree of attempted murder of a police officer.

JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says Louisiana Democratic voters are following a nationwide trend of very high early voting participation and appear to be highly enthusiastic about the upcoming Presidential Election. Dems only makeup 40 percent of registered voters but comprised 53 percent of first-day voters on Friday…

Cut 7 (10) “…night”

Couvillon predicts total turnout in the state will hit 74 percent by the end of November 3^rd voting.

Minorities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and Auburn researchers are working to look at just how crucial public health information is being communicated to minority communities in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Research leader Dr. Kelly Dunning says foreign language speakers will be asked…

Cut 10 (12) “…..view messages”

Studies show it is possible to get COVID-19 more than once. Journals have noted many incidents of people getting sick, testing positive, recovering, testing negative, and then about two months later getting sick again and testing positive. LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Clinical Medicine Dr. Najy Masri says he treated a nurse who had the same problem, and there are two possibilities on why some people may come down with the virus more than once.

Cut 13 (07) “issue.”

But he notes it is not very common and of the 40 million confirmed cases worldwide very few people have gotten it twice. The real ramifications of this data will impact vaccine development. Masri says One possibility is that you’ll need a booster shot, and the other possibility is…

Cut 15 (07) “…shot”

The state reports 202 new COVID cases today.

A Mangham Police Officer is recovering after he was shot during a traffic stop on Saturday night. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 27-year-old Hermandus Semien of Ville Platte shot the officer after stealing a vehicle and robbing a pharmacy in Rayville. Semien faces several charges including attempted first-degree murder of a police officer. Reichardt says the officer will survive after getting shot in the stomach…

Cut 4 (05)   “…thank goodness”   

Louisiana has seen record numbers of early voter turnout so far for the Presidential Election. JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says anecdotes of voters waiting in long lines to cast an early ballot are strongly supported by the data.

Cut 6 (10) “voted”

Early voting ends Oct 27^th.

Stress levels are unusually high in the state, we’re seven months in a pandemic, recovering from two hurricanes and in the midst of a heated election. Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter the state has a free and confidential 24-hour Keep Calm Hotline to help and even if you don’t feel you need the help, it could be vital for someone you know who is going through a hard time.

Cut 12 (06) “before”.

The number is 1-800-310-7977 or a text line, type “reach out” to 741-741.

The Louisiana Department of Health is offering free flu shots around the state with drive-up clinics. LDH flu expert Dr. Frank Welch says last year in Louisiana there were over 15-thousand hospitalizations for the flu alone and it’s even more important to get vaccinated now.

Cut 9 (06) “those hospitals”

For a list of free flue clinic sites and locations visit the LDH website

A Mangham Police Officer is recovering after he was shot during a traffic stop on Saturday night. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 27-year-old Hermandus Semien of Ville Platte shot the officer after stealing a vehicle and robbing a pharmacy in Rayville earlier in the day

Cut 3 (07)  “…Franklin Parish”  

Semien faces several charges including attempted first-degree murder of a police officer. Reichardt says the officer will survive after getting shot in the stomach.

The Louisiana Department of Health wants you to roll up your sleeve and get your annual flu shot, especially this year, to reduce the strain on the healthcare system. LDH flu expert Dr. Frank Welch says they are offering free flu shot clinics at locations around the state but this year the process is different.

Cut 7 (09) “a flu shot”

Stress levels are high in Louisiana as we’re seven months into a pandemic, recovering from two hurricanes, and in the middle of a heated election. Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says there are free resources available to Louisiana residents who need help. He says if you’re feeling stressed call the 24-hour Keep Calm Hotline.

Cut 11 (12) “somewhere”

The number is 1-800-310-7977.

You can get COVID-19 twice. LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Clinical Medicine Doctor Najy Masri says he treated a nurse who tested positive, got sick, recovered, and then seven weeks later came back with symptoms and tested positive again. Masri says this is one of a few documented examples of reinfection. So, he says if you’ve had COVID, don’t act like you’re invulnerable…
Cut 14 (10) “…exists”