A Senate-approved bill requiring the Governor inform lawmakers seven days prior to the extension of any public order, and explain why the extension was necessary is being taken up in a House committee today. Shreveport Senator Barry Milligan says forcing the Governor to give lawmakers some heads up will save everyone a lot of heartburn…

Cut 5 (05) “…live.”

The bill creates a committee of legislative leaders that could question the Governor about the order but has no authority to stop the order from being extended. Because the bill doesn’t challenge the Governor’s power it had the full backing of Senate Dems, but New Orleans Senator Troy Carter says if the House were to amend it to strip public health authority from the Governor that would change quickly…

Cut 6 (09) “dangerous”

Some House Republicans have indicated they would like to see the Governor’s unilateral authority reduced on emergency orders, a sentiment that could work its way into the bill.

A Denham Springs man is arrested after he’s found hiding in a Florida teenager’s closet, where authorities estimate he’s been staying off and on for over a month.  Hernando County Sheriff’s Detective Tom Cameron says 36-year-old Johnathan Lee Rossmoine was found when the victim’s mother saw movement in her daughter’s bedroom.

Cut 13 (08) “…in the closet.”

The victim and the suspect had first met through a chatting app two years ago. 

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s bill providing civil and criminal immunity to people who gather for religious services against state orders during an emergency is ebing heard today in committee. McCormick says the bill was in part inspired by the story of Central Pastor Tony Spell who faces charges for holding large services against state orders…

cut 11 (10) “….liberty”

The Senate unanimously approves legislation that will be heard in a House committee today requiring the Governor to consult with a ten-member legislative committee before extending emergency orders. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The House Governmental Affairs Committee will consider this legislation this morning. The Associated Press reports there are several House Republicans who believe this measure does not go far enough because it does not expand the legislature’s ability to override the governor’s decisions.

When the pandemic started in March, the governor shut down schools, many businesses and churches in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick has a bill that would prohibit a church leader from being sued or charged criminally for holding a church service during an emergency order…
cut 12 (03) “…this”
McCormick says the bill was in part inspired by the story of Central Pastor Tony Spell who was arrested and charged after holding services against state orders.

The Community of Foundation of Lake Charles is concerned that as we get further away from the landfall of Hurricane Laura that donations will continue to slow down. Foundation C-E-O Sara Judson says their goal is to raise at least 10-million dollars and they have a website where you can donate at…help-s-w-l-a-dot-org…
cut 9 (10) “…volunteers”

A Denham Springs man is facing multiple sex crimes after he traveled from his home in Louisiana to have sex with an underage girl in Spring Hill, Florida. Hernando County Sheriff Detective Tom Cameron says 36-year-old Johnathan Lee Rossmoine actually lived in the girl’s closet for the last five weeks and the victim’s parents did not know…
cut 14 (10) “…of the closet”
Rossmoine was found when the victim’s mother saw something move in her daughter’s bedroom closet.

A House committee will take up a bill today by an Oil City Republican that aims to block the state from criminally charging a person for holding a religious service during a declared emergency. Representative Danny McCormick says the decision to close churches during the early stages of the pandemic was unconstitutional…
cut 10 (3) “…constitution”
Under current Phase 3 coroanvirus restrictions, maximum building capacity for places of worship is limited to 75-percent.

Relief groups in southwest Louisiana still need donations to help hurricane victims get back into livable housing. Matt Doyle spoke to one group trying to make that happen…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The National Hurricane Center says there’s a high chance a tropical wave over the west-central Caribbean Sea will develop into a tropical depression in the Caribbean or possibly in the south-central-Gulf of Mexico over the next five days. This system would be named gamma if it strengthens into a tropical storm.

A Denham Springs man is in a Florida jail after he’s found hiding in a teenager’s closet and authorities estimate he’d been living in that closet for over a month. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Louisiana’s Health Officer, Doctor Jimmy Guidry, told state lawmakers that he anticipates another spike of coronavirus once the flu season gets here. Guidry also believes this spike will be just as bad if not worse than what we saw in the spring.

A House committee will consider a bill today that would prevent criminal charges against a person who holds a religious service during a declared public emergency. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says the bill was in part inspired by the story of Central Pastor Tony Spell who faces charges for holding large services against state orders…
cut 11 (10) “….liberty”
The legislation also provides for civil immunity.

The Community Foundation of Lake Charles is seeking to raise 10-million dollars to help with the Hurricane Laura recovery efforts. Foundation CEO Sara Judson says they’ve raised about half of that…
cut 8 (08) “…to help”
Judson says the donations they receive go to local relief organizations. She says if you would like to help go to help-swla-dot-org.

Today, a House committee will consider Senate approved legislation that would require the Governor to consult with a ten-member legislative committee before extending an emergency order beyond 30 days. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says it gives lawmakers a seat at the table.
Cut 4 (09) “…powerful.” (2x)
The bill won unanimous approval in the Upper Chamber.

A Denham Springs man is in a Florida jail after he was allegedly caught hiding in a teenager’s closet at her home in Hernando County. Authorities believe the victim and suspect met in a chatting app two years ago and 36-year-old Johnathan Lee Rossmoine drove to her house on multiple occasions to have sex with her. Detective Tom Cameron says the victim is receiving counseling…
cut 15 (07) “….boyfriend from her”

The pace of new donations to Hurricane Laura relief is slowing down, but advocates on the ground say more assistance is still badly needed. Community Foundation of Lake Charles CEO Sara Judson says their organization has raised six million dollars so far with that money focused on efforts to get people back into housing.
Cut 7 (13) “…thing”
An estimated 12 to 14 billion dollars in damage was done to the region as a result of Laura’s landfall. If you would like to donate go to help-s-w-l-a-dot-org.

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.”