A Lake Charles man who authorities say fatally shot two people and left third-person fighting for her life is now in custody. Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the manhunt that went on for over 24 hours wrapped up when 51-year-old Neil Broussard surrendered by going to a Dollar General and asking an employee to call the cops.

Cut 12 (12) “…heroic of them.”

Broussard is accused of killing 17-year-old Kyla Hildalgo and 18-year-old Kaleb Charlton at a home in Westlake.  A third victim, 40-year-old Catherine Hidalgo was shot multiple times and is currently hospitalized.

The Pelicans have announced that rookie Zion Williamson has left the NBA bubble in Walt Disney World to attend to an urgent family medical matter. Team officials say Williamson is expected to return to Orlando for the NBA restart at a later date.

New Covid-19 numbers from the state health department show an increase of 2,280 cases, the daily percent of positive tests is at 9.96 just under 10 percent. 24 more deaths reported today for a total now of 3,375.

Hospitalizations increased today by 32 to 1,401 and vent usage is up by 13 to 162.

Early in the pandemic hospitals were reporting a concerning decline in the number of people going to the ER or visiting clinics for non-COVID treatments that could be vital for maintaining their health, but Ochsner CEO Warner Thomas says patients appear to be a lot more comfortable going back to their healthcare providers these days.

Cut 8 (10) “…now”

The governor put a moratorium on elective surgeries early in the pandemic that were allowed to resume April 27^th.

COVID cases are up and hospitalization numbers are rising as well, but deaths and vent usage are not following at the same rate as the state’s first wave in April. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says it appears this wave is disproportionately young people and they’ve developed new techniques to aid COVID patients that weren’t available in earlier in the pandemic, including a more accessible antiviral.

Cut 7 (11) “without”

Hospitalizations increased today by 32 to 1,401 and vent usage is up by 13 to 162.

A Slidell day worker 34-year old Leann Simon, faces one count of second-degree cruelty to a juvenile. The St. Tammany Parish sheriff’s office says they were contacted by the parents of a two-year-old child on July 8^th after the toddler was taken to a hospital and doctors determined the child’s arm was broken.

Stephen Handwerk is stepping away from his position at the helm of the Louisiana Democratic Party.  Handwerk is the longest-serving executive director for the party and says it is time to pursue new challenges.

Cut 13 (09) “…done my time.” 

The Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete is changing ownership and the new proprietors will no longer display the collection of exotic animals. Former owner Michael Sandlin considers himself an animal welfare advocate and says stepping away from the ownership of the truck stop and roadside zoo has been an emotional process.

Cut 5 (09)  “…me I think.”

The Tiger Truck Stop has been no stranger to controversy over the years, most recently drawing attention after a Florida woman bit Casper the Camel’s testicles after entering the animal’s enclosure to retrieve her dog.

New Covid-19 numbers from the state health department show an increase of 2,280 cases and 24 more deaths reported, for a total now of 3,375 and hospitalization data has is yet to be posted for the day. Governor Edwards will have a hold a press briefing this afternoon at 2:30.

COVID cases are rising sharply, but ventilator use and deaths are not following at the same rate, so why is that? Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

In West Monroe, a 64-year man hit a police officer with his car after he was asked to wear a face mask in Walmart.  Police say Ricky Taylor refused to give the officer his identification and when the officer was writing down his license plate Taylor then struck the officer with his car.  Another officer had to arrest Taylor and a struggle ensued. Taylor was booked on charges of resisting an officer, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle and disturbing the peace.

The Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete is changing owners and the new proprietors will no longer have exotic animals.  The flagship Bengal tiger named Tony, died in 2017 and the truck stop gained national attention last fall when Casper the Camel was involved in a nutty altercation with a Florida woman. Former owner Michael Sandlin says he still owns some of the animals that used to reside at the truck stop.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…at my homestead.”

The Casper and a kangaroo from the truck stop now reside at the Alexandria Zoological Park.

COVID cases are surging and hospitalization numbers are rising sharply as well, but deaths and ventilator use and deaths are not following at the same rate as the state’s first wave in April. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says it appears to be because this new wave of cases is disproportionately young people.

Cut 6, 10 seconds, people

There are 149 Louisianans on ventilators for COVID at the moment, up from the June 9^th’s low of 67, but still far below where we were during the April peak.

The Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete is changing ownership and the new proprietors will no longer display the collection of exotic animals that have put a spotlight on the business.  The flagship animal, a 550-pound Bengal tiger named Tony, died in 2017.  Now-former owner Michael Sandlin says that death hit him hard.

Cut 3 (08)  “…getting another tiger.”  

Consumers are planning to spend a record amount to prepare students for heading back to school and college. Brooke Thorington has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

To help with the unique circumstances many find themselves in these days the Office of Motor Vehicles is moving seven locations away from traditional show-up and wait services to online appointment scheduling only. The offices in Breaux Bridge, Marksville, Opelousas, Plaquemine, Thibodaux, Vivian, and West Monroe will be transitioning into online only. Masks will be required to enter the building.

Republican Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry says Governor Edwards’ mask mandate and the order that closed bars is likely unconstitutional and unenforceable. Landry is in self-quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19. Edwards says Landry might have issued a different legal opinion if he attended Tuesday’s meeting with the members of the White House’s coronavirus task force…
cut 9 (07) “….here”

Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris projects that 20-to-25-percent of the state’s restaurants will close as a result of capacity restrictions. Harris says this will lead to more unemployed workers, which is why Congress needs to extend enhanced unemployment benefits before they run out at the end of the month…
cut 12 (09) “….happen”

The longest-serving executive director of the Louisiana Democratic Party is stepping down…
cut 3 (27) “….I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The National Retail Federation is expecting a record amount of money spent on back-to-school shopping this year as families and students prepare for the possibility of online learning because of the coronavirus pandemic. N-R-F spokesperson Katerine Cullen…
cut 6 (12) “…54-percent”
Cullen says back to school spending could eclipse 100-billion dollars for the first time.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has released a legal opinion that says Governor Edwards’ statewide mask mandate and bar closure order is likely unconstitutional. Edwards responded during his call-in radio show and said Landry’s opinion is an about-face from what he said when the pandemic started…
cut 8 (12) “….directives”
Landry says in March, the state’s medical capacity was at a breaking point, but that is not the case now.

You’ve seen a lot of restaurants closing since the pandemic started. Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says despite some federal aid, many restaurant owners will not be able to hold on…
cut 10 (10) “….statewide”

The National Retail Federation says we could see record-breaking back to school shopping this year because many students need laptops and computer accessories in anticipation of more online learning. For the elementary to high school age kids, families are spending an average of $789, an increase of nearly $100 from last year. NRF spokesperson Katerine Cullen says it’s a similar story for college students…
cut 5 (11) “….record 977 dollars”
Cullen says more than half of K-12 shoppers say they will buy their back to school supplies online.

Stephen Handwerk is stepping down from his leadership position with the Louisiana Democratic Party. Handwerk is the longest-serving executive director for the party…
cut 13 (09) “….done my time”
Handwerk will depart at the end of August.

Republican Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry says Governor Edwards’ mask mandate and the order that closed bars except for curbside pickup is likely unconstitutional and unenforceable. Landry is in self-quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19. Edwards says Landry might have issued a different legal opinion if he attended Tuesday’s meeting with the members of the White House’s coronavirus task force…
cut 9 (07) “….here”
Landry issued the legal opinion at the behest of eight Republican legislators who asked the A-G to weigh in on the governor’s latest executive order.

Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says the COVID restrictions on restaurants will result in 40-percent of them in the New Orleans area closing and 20-to-25-percent closing statewide. Harris says traditional sit-down restaurants are impacted the most…
cut 11 (10) “…business”

The National Retail Federation says we could see consumers spend a record amount on back to school shopping this year. N-R-F spokesperson Katherine Cullen says parents and students are preparing for more online learning because of the coronavirus pandemic…
cut 4 (06) “….home this year”
For the elementary to high school age kids, families are spending an average of $789, an increase of nearly $100 from last year. College student spending is expected to total 68-billion dollars, up from 55-billion last year.

Stephen Handwerk is leaving his position as the executive director of the Louisiana Democratic party next month. Handwerk is proud of the party’s accomplishments during his time in a leadership position. He says the highlight is the election of Democrat John Bel Edwards in a red state…
cut 14 (08) “….proud of that”
The state legislature has seen more Republicans elected into their body, but Handwerk says the mayors of the state’s largest cities are Democrats.

Attorney General Jeff Landry says Governor Edwards’ executive order that requires masks, limits the size of gatherings, and the closure of bars is likely unconstitutional. Matt Doyle has more
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor Edwards has signed into law several different tax break bills for businesses, including casinos. Edwards has signed into law a measure that allows casinos to give gamblers promotional play wagers without having to pay taxes on it.

Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris projects that 40-percent of the restaurants in the New Orleans area will close and 20-to-25-percent will close statewide as a result of capacity restrictions that have been placed on restaurants. Harris says this will lead to more unemployed workers, which is why Congress needs to extend enhanced unemployment benefits before they run out at the end of the month…
cut 12 (09) “….happen”
Harris made the comments on the governor’s monthly call-in show.

Stephen Handwerk says his eight-year run as executive director of the Louisiana Democratic Party will come to an end next month. Handwerk says it’s time to pursue new challenges, but he’s proud of what the party accomplished during his time at the helm…
cut 15 (12) “….of a role”
The Louisiana Democratic Party also needs to elect a new chairperson as Karen Carter Peterson is not seeking re-election.

Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry issues a legal opinion that says Governor John Bel Edwards’ statewide mask mandate, order to close bars and limit on group gatherings is likely unconstitutional. Landry says law enforcement should use extreme caution when enforcing these orders, but Edwards says there’s no question the law is on his side…
cut 7 (10) “…the constitution”
Edwards also pointed out Vice President Mike Pence has publicly supported the state’s efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Stephen Handwerk is stepping down from his leadership position with the Louisiana Democratic Party. Handwerk is the longest-serving executive director for the party…
cut 13 (09) “….done my time”
Handwerk will depart at the end of August.

Consumers are planning to spend a record amount on back to school shopping. Brooke Thorington has more on a National Retail Federation study…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Because the Louisiana Department of Revenue experienced website issues yesterday, the state’s tax filing deadline has been extended until tomorrow.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces the state has surpassed one million COVID-19 tests administered since March. The governor says testing, contact tracing, and reasonable regulations like mask-wearing while in public can reduce the spread of the coronavirus…

Cut 13 (09) “…the masks.” 

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education adopts a list of minimum COVID safety standards that school districts will be called on to implement once classes resume. The recommendations cover everything from mandatory face coverings to group size maximums. Children’s Hospital Chief Quality Officer Dr. Leron Finger says if schools follow these rules…
Cut 3 (11)  “…to school.”  

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies are searching for a Lake Charles man who authorities say fatally two people and left a third-person fighting for her life at a home in Westlake. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says his deputies were called to the home around 4AM after 51-year-old Neil Broussard fled the scene.
Cut 9 (11) “…shot multiple times.”
The deceased have been identified as 17-year-old Kyla Hildalgo and 18-year-old Kaleb Charlton. Police says it was 40-year-old Catherine Hidalgo, who called 911, she’s currently in the hospital.

The Louisiana Department of Revenue says they are having network connectivity issues with the website where front-line workers can apply for a 250-dollar hazard paycheck. Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson says the technical issue is also impacting those who are trying to file their state income taxes.

Cut 8 (05) “…very soon”