The discussion over the 25-percent maximum capacity at athletic events took the spotlight at a legislative committee this morning. Assistant state health officer Dr. Joe Kanter defended the current spectator cap by saying it isn’t the social distancing in the stands that is the area of concern, but the choke points within a venue. Kanter says the challenge extends beyond knowing and accepting the risk involved because coronavirus spreads even without any symptoms.

Cut 8 (13) “…without knowing it (x2).”

Baton Rouge Republican Rick Edmonds says the inability to attend high school football is detrimental to families who feel it’s a time-honored tradition. Edmonds tells state health officer, Dr. Jimmy Guidry, he wants the policy to be reviewed for possible amendments to allow more people in the stands.

Cut 9 (07) “…given to that.”

The Senate unanimously approves legislation that will be heard in a House committee Thursday requiring the Governor to consult with Legislative leaders before extending emergency orders. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A House committee will take up a bill today by an Oil City Republican that aims to block the state from charging people who gather for religious activities against state orders during a declared emergency.  Representative Danny McCormick says the state’s restrictions on religious gatherings during the pandemic are unconstitutional, which is why he brought the bill.
Cut 10 (03) “…constitution.”

The discussion over the 25-percent maximum capacity at athletic events took the spotlight at a legislative committee this morning.  Assistant state health officer Dr. Joe Kanter defended the current spectator cap by saying it isn’t the social distancing in the stands that is the area of concern.

Cut 7 (10) “…risk of transmission.”

The high school football season kicks off tomorrow night.

State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry warns a Legislative committee there will be another spike in COVID cases during flu season, and the spike will rival the numbers we saw in spring.  Guidry says his prediction is based on the 1918  Spanish Flu pandemic where a spring wave subsided only to be replaced by a much deadlier late fall outbreak.

Cut 3 (10)  “people”  

The House Governmental Affairs Committee heard several bills today that would give lawmakers more of a say when it comes to emergency orders. Most of the focus was on Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland’s bill. It would create a Council of State to give input on whether an emergency order should go beyond 30 days.  The governor, state treasurer, attorney general, House Speaker, and Senate President would be members on the council  Democrats on the committee have concerns, including Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins…

Cut 14 (10) “these decisions”

Attorney General Jeff Landry visits with the family of a Jefferson Parish fourth-grader who was suspended earlier this month after handling a BB gun in view of his webcam during a virtual learning session.  Landry says the punishment, including a weapons violation on his permanent record, is an overreaction.The child was not given a chance to appeal his punishment.  Landry says after meeting with the family, it is clear the parents taught their children about accountability.

Cut 11 (07) “…to be accountable.”

State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry warns a Legislative committee there will be another spike in COVID cases during flu season, and the spike will rival the numbers we saw in spring.Guidry expressed concerns about efforts to further relax public health restrictions. He says numbers may be low now, but they’re only low because of the ongoing mitigation measures.

Cut 4 (12)“at home” 

The state reports 452 new COVID cases today, surpassing a grand total of 166,000 cases. The active case count is estimated to be just over 6500.

The discussion over the 25-percent maximum capacity at athletic events took the spotlight at a legislative committee this morning.  Baton Rouge Republican Rick Edmonds says the inability to attend high school football is detrimental to families who feel it’s a time-honored tradition.

Cut 6 (10) “…of those families.”

The high school football season kicks off tomorrow night.

Attorney General Jeff Landry visits with the family of a Jefferson Parish fourth-grader who was suspended earlier this month after handling a BB gun in view of his webcam during a virtual learning session.  Landry says the punishment, including a weapons violation on his permanent record, is an overreaction.The child was not given a chance to appeal his punishment.  Landry says legal action can often be a lengthy process, but he’s committed to seeing this through and getting justice for Ka’Mauri.

Cut 12 (09) “…be made whole.”

The House Governmental Affairs Committee heard several bills today that would give lawmakers more of a say when it comes to emergency orders. Most of the focus was on Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland’s bill. It would create a Council of State to give input on whether an emergency order should go beyond 30 days. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White is also concerned McFarland’s measure will result in a public health emergency turning political

Cut 15 (07) “for direction” 

Attorney General Jeff Landry visits with the family of a Jefferson Parish fourth-grader who was suspended earlier this month after handling a BB gun in view of his webcam during a virtual learning session.  Landry says the punishment, including a weapons violation on his permanent record, is an overreaction.

Cut 10 (09) “…into their home.”

Woodmere Elementary 4th grader Ka’Mauri Harrison was suspended for six days.  His brother tripped over the gun when entering the room, at which point Harrison moved the gun, but still within view of his web camera.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee heard legislation that would create a Council of State to give input on whether an emergency order should go beyond 30 days. Representative Jack McFarland of Jonesboro authored it…

Cut 13 (07) “…line of communication”

A vote on McFarland’s measure could come as early as tomorrow.

Lawmakers questioned state health officials about the 25-percent cap on spectators at athletic events today in a House committee meeting.

cut 2 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins is one of only five representatives to not sign onto a House resolution reaffirming a commitment to an orderly and peaceful transfer of power if President Trump is no reelected. In a statement Higgin’s called the resolution a Democrat stunt and while he supports a peaceful transition post-election he won’t vote for gimmicks.

The State Health Officer issues a dire pandemic prediction to a Legislative committee. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…Jeff Palermo”  

The state reports 452 new COVID cases today, surpassing a grand total of 166,000 cases. Total fatalities… 5,321, up by 13. Hospitalizations… 553, with 79 on ventilators.

The discussion over the 25-percent maximum capacity at athletic events took the spotlight at a legislative committee this morning. Assistant state health officer Dr. Joe Kanter defended the current spectator cap by saying it isn’t the social distancing in the stands that is the area of concern, but the choke points within a venue. Kanter says the challenge extends beyond knowing and accepting the risk involved because coronavirus spreads even without any symptoms.

Cut 8 (13) “…without knowing it (x2).”

Baton Rouge Republican Rick Edmonds says the inability to attend high school football is detrimental to families who feel it’s a time-honored tradition. Edmonds tells state health officer, Dr. Jimmy Guidry, he wants the policy to be reviewed for possible amendments to allow more people in the stands.

Cut 9 (07) “…given to that.”

Many lawmakers say they’ve been flooded with calls from parents who are frustrated with the state’s 25 percent occupancy cap at outdoor sporting events, a limit that prevents communities from enjoying Friday Night Lights together. Many high schools object to that number and point to the higher capacity that’s allowed inside restaurants and casinos.  Assistant state health officer Dr. Joe Kanter defended the current spectator cap by saying it isn’t the social distancing in the stands that is the area of concern.

Cut 7 (10) “…risk of transmission.”

While the state has seemingly had success limiting COVID outbreaks in K-12 schools State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry believes that success is unlikely to last much longer. He expects as the semester continues students will slack off on prevention measures and the virus will spread, helping lead to what he predicts will be another major spike in cases for Flu Season.

Cut 5 (07)  “for us” 

The Main Street Recovery Program which assists small businesses with pandemic recovery losses puts the breaks on applications. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

A Louisiana man has been arrested in Florida for allegedly having a long-term sexual relationship with a Florida minor. 37-year-old Johnathan Rossmoine allegedly lived in that Florida minor’s closet for long periods of time, only coming out when the minor’s parents left the house.

The discussion over the 25-percent maximum capacity at athletic events took the spotlight at a legislative committee this morning.  Baton Rouge Republican Rick Edmonds says the inability to attend high school football is detrimental to families who feel it’s a time-honored tradition.

Cut 6 (10) “…of those families.”

Many high schools object to that number and point to the higher capacity that’s allowed inside restaurants and casinos.  Assistant state health officer Dr. Joe Kanter defended the current spectator cap by saying it isn’t the social distancing in the stands that is the area of concern.

Cut 7 (10) “…risk of transmission.”

Edmunds asked for health officials to give their attendance policy another look.

State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry warns a Legislative committee there will be another spike in COVID cases during flu season, and the spike will rival the numbers we saw in spring.  Guidry says his prediction is based on observations from the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918 where a spring wave subsided only to be replaced by a much deadlier late fall outbreak.

Cut 3 (10)  “people”  

Committee members also questioned Guidry about the small number of totals deaths that were solely attributed to COVID. Guidry says that number is misleading because of the nature of COVID, which pushes people with manageable illnesses to death’s door.

Also at the state capitol, Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has filed legislation to be discussed in the special session that would result in local governments losing state dollars if they reduce their local police department’s budget by 10-percent or more. Harris says the legislature has a duty to intervene in this local budgeting issue.
Cut 9 (11) “…municipality”

The 25-percent maximum capacity at athletic events is the subject of a legislative committee happening now. Many high schools object to that number and point to the higher capacity that’s allowed inside restaurants and casinos. House Education Chairman Ray Garafalo says Friday night football games are an important event for many communities and memorable for students…
Cut 14 (06) “…into these issues.”
The governor’s office says the 25-percent capacity restriction is based on scientific data and guidance from health experts.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has filed legislation to be discussed in the special session that would result in a municipality or public university losing money if they reduce their police department funding by ten-percent…
Cut 8 (12) “…deduction”
Harris calls the bill the Louisiana Police Funding Protection Act.

The Main Street Recovery Program aimed to assist Louisiana small businesses with pandemic recovery is no longer accepting applications. State Treasurer John Schroder says the original amount of $275-million that the legislature set aside for the program is almost allocated.Since the program began accepting applications July 28^th, Schroder says they’ve issued approximately 6-thousand checks. Schroder says he knows businesses need the funds as quickly as possible, but it is not an instantaneous process.

Cut 12 (11) “…a little time.”

The schools of the UL System are participating in an initiative aimed at connecting McNeese State students displaced by Hurricane Laura with resources from other system institutions.  UL System President Jim Henderson says more than 200 McNeese State students have registered for the Cowboy Relief Effort adding that the response has been tremendous from students relieved to hear this type of help is available.

Cut 6 (11) “…is left behind.”

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris introduces legislation that would give the legislature the ability to take away state funding from local governments and universities that cut the budget for their police departments by more than 10-percent. Harris says he opposes the “Defund the Police” movement.
Cut 7 (07) “…pressure”
No word on when this bill will get its first hearing before a legislative committee.

The House Education and Health and Welfare Committees hold a joint meeting today to discuss the governor’s executive order that limits high school athletic events to 25-percent capacity. The governor’s office says the order is to ensure the safety of Louisianans. House Education Chair Ray Garafalo says he needs more information…
cut 15 (13) “….show the public”

The Main Street Recovery Program which assists small businesses with pandemic recovery losses puts the breaks on applications. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The American Hotel and Lodging Association says 38-percent of Louisiana hotel jobs have been lost as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and another 32-percent could be unemployed in several months if Congress doesn’t do something to help the industry out. The report says 38-thousand hotel jobs have been lost in Louisiana, 14-thousand of them became unemployed this month.

The House Education and Health and Welfare Committees meet today to discuss occupancy caps for spectators at athletic events. Chalmette Republican Ray Garafalo says lawmakers want more answers as to why high school football games have a strict occupancy cap of 25%, while indoor restaurants are capped at 75%.
Cut 13 (13) “…that question yet.”

Also at the state capitol, Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has filed legislation to be discussed in the special session that would result in local governments losing state dollars if they reduce their local police department’s budget by 10-percent or more. Harris says the legislature has a duty to intervene in this local budgeting issue..
cut 9 (11) “…municipality”

State Treasurer John Schroder announces the Main Street Recovery Program has stopped accepting new applications as the 275-million dollar program designed to help small businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic has reached its capacity. Schroder says applications have been pouring in over the last 20 days…
cut 11 (10) “…Thursday”
Schroder says so far six-thousand checks of no more than 15-thousand dollars in grant money have been delivered to small businesses.

University of Louisiana System schools are helping McNeese State students displaced by Hurricane Laura. UL System President Jim Henderson says more than 200 McNeese students have registered for the Cowboy Relief Effort that allows these students to use a variety of resources at other campuses….
cut 4 (06) “…housing”
Henderson says for example, Ashlee Sebren from Jackson Parish is using libraries at both U-L-M and Louisiana Tech University.