The state reported an alarming daily increase of COVID-19 case numbers up by 1,356 from the previous day. The state had the third-largest single-week increase in the cases last week, beaten only by the first two weeks of April. Hospitalizations also increased from the previous day by 16 for a total of 646. Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Alex Billoux says the upward trend is concerning.

Cut 5 (08)  “…healthcare capacities”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reports a third straight month of over-the-year increases in fishing license sales. LDWF Undersecretary Bryan McClinton says fishing is a great activity to remain social while keeping a distance from others.

Cut 10 (07) “…go enjoy that.”

McClinton says the uptick in fishing licenses began in March after the Governor’s Stay At Home Order.

A Monday crash claims the lives of five people in Cottonport after a pickup truck crosses the centerline, slamming head-on into an oncoming van. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

A Shreveport man faces charges of animal cruelty after several hundred heads of cattle were discovered suffering from starvation and neglect. The Caddo Parish Sherriff’s office says 49-year old Tremecius Dixon was arrested this morning after an investigation on his property discovered the carcasses of at least 10 cattle, the remaining 250 were malnourished and lacked adequate water supply. Bond is set at 25-thousand dollars.

Young people ages 18 to 29 lead the state in positive COVID-19 cases for a total of just under nine thousand. That’s approximately 19 hundred more than those 60 and older. Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Alex Billoux says the uptick could due to the age group returning the workforce or a misconception about the virus.

Cut 3 (12) ”…than the flu”  

New cases for the state increased today by 1,356

Senator Bill Cassidy says Congress is working on another round of federal economic relief but feels the 600 dollar a week federal unemployment benefit must be changed. Cassidy says one of his constituents says the unemployment benefits are making it difficult to staff their business as the economy begins to reopen.

Cut 13 (07) “…work.”  

Five people are dead, and six others are injured following a three-vehicle crash on LA Highway 29 in Cottonport. State Police Trooper Casey Wallace says it started when a Ford pickup crossed the centerline, striking an oncoming van. Troop E Troopers have investigated 25 fatal crashes resulting in 31 fatalities so far in 2020.  Wallace says the message to the public is just to be aware of what is going on when you are on the road.

Cut 8 (07) “…of your surroundings.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reports a third straight month of over-the-year increases in fishing license sales. LDWF Undersecretary Bryan McClinton says the uptick began in the days following the Governor’s stay at home order. McClinton says the purchase of a license will not break the bank and can be done at one of the LDWF’s approved vendors or online at WLF.LA.gov.

Cut 11 (05) “…your actual license.”

The state is monitoring an alarming trend of COVID-19 case numbers increasing among 18 to 29-year-olds in the state. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”  

The state reports 1,356 new COVID-19 cases today, the highest single-day increase since April 7^th. Hospitalizations up by 16 to 646 and vent usage up by 14 to 83. Total fatalities: 3,021, up by 17.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reports a third straight month of over-the-year increases in fishing license sales. LDWF Undersecretary Bryan McClinton says the uptick began in the days following the Governor’s stay at home order in March.

Cut 9 (10) “…engaging in fishing.”

Over 51,000 fishing licenses were sold in May 2020 compared to over 38,000 in May 2019. June is currently on track to continue the sales trend.

Senator Bill Cassidy says Congress is working on another round of federal economic relief but feels the 600 dollar a week federal unemployment benefit must be changed.

Cassidy says the unemployed must not be allowed to collect more in unemployment benefits than they made at their last job.

Cut 12 (06) “…society”

The state reports 1,356 new COVID-19 cases today, the highest single-day increase since April 7^th. Hospitalizations up by 16 to 646 and vent usage up by 14 to 83. Governor Edwards says the public needs to do a better job practicing social distancing and he says there are some businesses that are not operating responsibly. Edwards says the state has not shutdown or revoked any permits, but…
Cut 9 (11) “…option for us.”
Louisiana will remain in phase two until at least late July.

Five people are dead and six others are injured following a three-vehicle crash on LA Highway 29 in Avoyelles Parish. State Police Trooper Casey Wallace says it started when a Ford pickup crossed the centerline, striking an oncoming van, killing the pickup driver and a passenger.Wallace says the van that was hit head-on was carrying seven passengers.

Cut 7 (08) “…a local hospital.”

State leaders warn a 300 million dollar small business grant program set to open sometime in July could go fast. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The state will not move into phase three of reopening the economy as a result of an increase in cases and hospitalizations. Governor Edwards says clusters of cases have developed that are tied to bars near the LSU campus and graduation parties in the New Orleans area. Edwards is asking for residents and businesses to do better in stopping the spread…
cut 28 (06) “…better”

Five people are dead and six others are injured following a three-vehicle crash on LA Highway 29 in Avoyelles Parish. State Police Trooper Casey Wallace says it started when a Ford pickup driven by 21-year-old Derrick Kyle, Jr., of Cottonport crossed the centerline, striking an oncoming van.
Cut 6 (12) “…could have happened.”
Kyle and a 20-year-old passenger are among the five dead.

A giant plume of Saharan dust from Africa is expected to arrive in Louisiana either tomorrow or Thursday. The dust can pose a problem for those who suffer from asthma and allergies. The head of environmental services at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor James Diaz, says these individuals should wear a face covering when outside.
Cut 12 (12) “…pre-existing lung condition.”

The Louisiana Senate has approved another tort reform bill that seeks to lower auto insurance rates by changing how the state’s legal system handles automobile accident claims. Senator Heath Cloud a Republican from Evangeline Parish is like many Democrats who believes the bill will not lower auto insurance rates…
cut 15 (12) “…crisis”
But the measure still heads to the House floor for final legislative passasge.

Governor John Bel Edwards says Louisiana will remain in Phase 2 of the state’s reopening of the economy because of a spike in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. Edwards says they anticipated an increase in cases with more testing and more businesses opening up, but there’s a percentage of the public who are not doing their part as well…
cut 7 (10) “….today”
Phase 2 will last until at least July 24.

A cloud of Saharan dust from Africa is expected to arrive in Louisiana by tomorrow or Thursday. The dust consists of tiny mineral rock particles. The head of environmental sciences at LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. James Diaz, says the dust poses a risk to those with asthma.
Cut 10 (10) “…of getting COVID-19.”
He says those with asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and heart conditions should be most cautious.

Tort reform legislation clears the Senate and is headed back to the House, but without a provision requiring insurers to lower rates. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

State Police is investigating a three-vehicle crash that killed five people and six others in Cottonport on Highway 29 yesterday. Investigators say a 21-year-old driver crossed the center line and hit another vehicle head-on. A Toyota Corolla then slammed into one of the vehicles. The ages of the fatal crash victims range from 20-years-old to 60-years-old.

Governor John Bel Edwards says the state will remain in Phase two of coronavirus restrictions because of a spike in cases.
cut 8 (10) “…Orleans and elsewhere”
Edwards is asking everyone to do a better job of social distancing and wearing masks in public, especially young adults. The state health department says 18 to 29-year-olds is the age group with the most positive cases.

The full Senate has approved a tort reform bill that supporters will lead to lower auto insurance rates by changing the state’s legal climate. But Democrats fumed over the legislation’s lack of any wording requiring auto insurance rates to go down if the bill were to pass. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau…
Cut 14 (08) “…support it”
The measure heads back to the House to see if they agree to Senate changes.

A state lawmaker is concerned a newly created 300 million dollar small business grant program will run out of money quickly after it starts handing out checks next month. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Lafayette Police say an 18-year-old from Kaplan is in critical condition after he was stabbed in the neck and wrists. The victim’s family says it was a hate crime. Police have not drawn that conclusion, but they’ve arrested 19-year-old Chance Seneca of Lafayette. The family for Holden White say Seneca attacked White because he’s an advocate of the L-G-B-T-Q community.

Governor Edwards is alarmed by the rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, which means the state will not move to Phase Three of reopening. Kevin Barnhart has more.
Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The state surpassed over 50-thousand positive coronavirus cases and three-thousand deaths.

A three-vehicle crash killed five people and injured six others in the Avoyelles Parish town of Cottonport yesterday. The multi-vehicle fatal crash happened on Highway 29 around 11:30 AM. State Police say it started when a 21-year-old driver crossed the center line and hit another vehicle head-on.

State Treasurer John Schroder says it’s his goal to begin handing out grant checks of up to 15-thousand dollars to small businesses who qualify for a new small business grant program set up by lawmakers during the regular session. Schroder hopes to have a consultant selected by July 4th for the 300-million dollar program…
cut 6 (09) “…that now”

A giant plume of Saharan dust from Africa is expected to arrive in Louisiana either tomorrow or Thursday. The dusty layer of air can produce vivid sunsets but the dust can be a problem for those who suffer from asthma and allergies. The head of environmental services at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor James Diaz, says these individuals should wear a face covering when outside.
Cut 12 (12) “…pre-existing lung condition.”

Louisiana will remain in phase two until late July as officials are concerned with a rising number of cases and hospitalizations. Governor Edwards says the public needs to do a better job practicing social distancing and he says there are some businesses that are not operating responsibly. Edwards says the state has not shutdown or revoked any permits, but…
cut 9 (11) “….option for

State Treasurer John Schroder tells lawmakers he hopes grants of up to 15-thousand dollars could be in the hands of some small businesses next month. Schroder says there are an estimated 450-thousand businesses eligible and the state has 300-million dollars in federal coronavirus relief aid to spend. But Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt wonders if there’s enough money to go around…
cut 5 (09) “….business”

The Senate has passed a watered-down lawsuit reform bill that supporters believe may help lower auto insurance rates. The measure lowers the jury trial threshold to 10,000 dollars, prevents insurance company’s names from being mentioned in court, and removes a gag order on whether a crash victim was wearing a seat belt. Bossier City Senator Barrow Peacock says it’s not as strong as past efforts, but…
Cut 13 (04) “…triple”
The measure still needs House approval.

A cloud of Saharahan dust could start impacting Louisiana’s air quality starting tomorrow. The head of environmental sciences at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor James Diaz, says this is not good news for those who suffer from asthma or allergy suffers…
cut 11 (10) “….a dust particle”
Diaz is concerned the Saharahan dust can increase the transmission of COVID-19.

Governor John Bel Edwards says Louisiana will remain in Phase 2 of the state’s reopening of the economy because of a spike in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. Edwards says they anticipated an increase in cases with more testing and more businesses opening up, but there’s a percentage of the public who are not doing their part as well…
cut 7 (10) “….today”
Edwards says the state will continue to stay in Phase 2 until at least July 24.

State Treasurer John Schroder tells lawmakers he’s looking to distribute grants of up to 15-thousand dollars to small businesses by December. The money is coming from federal coronavirus relief aid and Schroder says there are an estimated 450-thousand small businesses who could be eligible…
cut 4 (06) “….happens”
This small business grant program is the result of legislation approved in the regular session.

A cloud of Saharan dust is crossing the Atlantic and is set to arrive in Louisiana by Wednesday bringing with it more COVID-19 concerns. The dust consists of tiny mineral rock particles from Africa. While it can produce vivid sunsets, the head of environmental sciences at LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. James Diaz, says it poses a risk to those with underlying health conditions.
Cut 10 (10) “…of getting COVID-19.”
Those with asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and heart conditions should be most cautious.

State Police say five people were killed and six injured in a three-vehicle crash on Highway 29 in Avoyelles Parish yesterday.  Investigators say the incident began when a 21-year-old driver crossed the center line and hit another vehicle head-on. A Toyota Corolla then slammed into one of the vehicles. The ages of the fatal crash victims range from 20-years-old to 60-years-old.