Louisiana has seen three straight days of COVID-19 hospitalizations, the metric used by health officials to track the actual rate of community spread. Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Alex Billioux says their contact tracing data shows this is largely due to increased social interactions in recent weeks, and possibly because of Memorial Day.
Cut 13 (10) “…spreads”
Billioux says it does not appear this recent increase in transmissions is disproportionately due to new clusters in nursing homes.

The U-S Senate plans to vote on police reform legislation next week. Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy looks forward to the debate and wants lawmakers to take a look at the policies the New Orleans Police Department follows…
cut 5 (05) “…died”

A new study shows mutations the mutated strain of coronavirus circulating the United States is more infectious than the original strain in China. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

State Police is investigating an officer-involved shooting last night in New Iberia. A suspect who led authorities on a chase that started in Vermilion Parish fired his weapon towards officers as the pursuit ended in New Iberia. Investigators say officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who received non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was released from a hospital and is now in police custody.

COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased for three straight days in Louisiana after nearly two months of consistent declines. Matt Doyle has more on why that may be…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The state will allow bars and clubs to offer live music at their businesses under Phase two of the reopening guidelines. Business owners will have to apply to the State Fire Marshal’s Office for approval. The ban on live music will continue in New Orleans.

An LSU Health New Orleans geneticists says a new study shows a mutated form of the coronavirus circulating the United States is about ten times more infectious than the original strain in China…
Cut 7 (11) “…life forms evolve.”
That’s Doctor Lucio Miele who says it’s important to find out how the virus is changing as scientists try to develop treatments and vaccines.

Lake Charles attorney Todd Clemons is hopeful the movement to end social injustice will lead to the removal of a confederate monument in front of the Calcasieu courthouse….
cut 12 (08) “….past four weeks”
No word on when the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury will address this issue. The Iberville Parish Council voted unanimously last night to take down a confederate statue that’s located on the property of their old courthouse.

LSU Health New Orleans geneticist Doctor Lucio Miele says a new study shows the mutated strain of coronavirus circulating in the United States may be a new and improved virus that is better at infecting human cells than the original strain in Wuhan, China,. Milele says this might explain why the U-S is having a much harder time containing transmission…
cut 8 (12) “….helps it survive”
Louisiana reported 534 new coronavirus cases yesterday and hospitalizations rose for a third straight day.

Superdome officials say 32 individuals who are performing renovation work on the iconic stadium have tested positive for the coronavirus. The Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District says the affected workers have been isolated away from the job site.

The US Senate’s lone African American GOP member is set to unveil police reform legislation today in response to the George Floyd protests. The legislation limits use of chokeholds requires officers to intervene if they see excessive use of force, and provides for more cameras. Senator Bill Cassidy says Tim Scott’s bill is a necessary conversation.
Cut 4 (10) “levels”

A Lake Charles attorney is pushing to remove a confederate monument on the lawn of the Calcasieu Courthouse
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

For the past three days, the state has reported an increase in the number of people hospitalized because of COVID-19. The state health department reported 20 more hospitalizations yesterday, the largest increase since May 25th. Assistant Health Secretary Doctor Alex Billioux says the pandemic is not over and we need to continue wearing masks and social distancing…
cut 15 (06) “….or two”
Eighteen states across the country are seeing an increase in new cases. Texas hit a record-high daily number yesterday.

A Lake Charles attorney is pushing for the removal of a Confederate monument on the lawn of the Calcasieu Courthouse. Attorney Todd Clemons says when you are black and entering the courthouse, the monument sends a message that you don’t have equal rights…
Cut 10 (07) “…to be removed.”

After weeks of national protests following the death of George Floyd, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that he says will encourage police departments to reform their practices. The president says the order also bans the use of chokeholds in most cases. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy says a total ban warrants further study…
cut 6 (13) “….about that”
Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the president’s order falls sadly and seriously short of what is required to combat the epidemic of racial injustice and police brutality.

There was an officer-involved shooting in New Iberia last night. Authorities say shots were exchanged between a suspect and New Iberia police during a pursuit. The suspect was injured by gunfire. State Police is expected to release more information later today.

Starting in July, Louisiana small businesses can apply for a state grant worth up to 15,000 dollars to help offset COVID related losses. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

Governor John Bel Edwards vetoes a bill that would have provided companies impacted by COVID-19 a rebate for hiring or rehiring employees. Businesses would be eligible if they hired at least five people and added 40-thousand dollars in total payroll, but in the governor’s veto letter, Edwards said the program would create a large pool of eligible businesses and the potential cost to the state could be substantial.

Governor John Bel Edwards signs a bill that greatly expands access to medical marijuana. Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives lobbyist Danny Ford says this measure allows any doctor in good standing to recommend medical cannabis to a patient suffering from a debilitating condition…

Cut 13 (11) “…could help”  

Under current law, medical marijuana is only available to a patient suffering from a specific condition or disease.

Governor Edwards signs legislation barring residents from suing a restaurant, claiming they got the coronavirus from their business. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says it’s tough to prove where someone contracted COVID-19, but that wouldn’t stop someone from trying…

Cut 5 (10)  “…jobs”

But McMath notes that if restaurants refuse to follow COVID guidelines like mandatory mask wearing for employees they could still get sued.

Governor John Bel Edwards vetoes legislation that would have provided a tax rebate to companies hiring or rehiring employees right now citing the cost and current revenue situation of state government. The bill had widespread support in the Legislature and Covington Representative Mark Wright disagrees with Edwards’ claim…

Cut 4 (11)_ “…to it”

The State Treasury Department will launch a 300-million dollar small business COVID relief grant program in July as a result of legislation signed by the governor. Treasurer John Schroder says they’ve also dedicated a portion of the funds so certain business owners can take advantage.

Cut 8 (08) “…buisinesses.”

To qualify your business must have fewer than 50 employees and can demonstrate COVID-19 related losses.

Governor John Bel Edwards signs a bill that greatly expands access to medical marijuana. Under current law, medical marijuana is only available to a patient suffering from a specific condition or disease, and now that’s been expanded to anyone with a debilitating condition. Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives lobbyist Danny Ford says the requirement that a doctor must have a special license in order to recommend the treatment has also been removed…

Cut 14 (05) “…is necessary”

Personal finance website WalletHub finds a strong majority, 67 percent, of Americans think people who do not want to return to the office and would rather work from home should not see pushback from employers. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says those that disagree tend to want direct action from employers against those workers.

Cut 12 (10) “…paid on unemployment.”

About a third of respondents also believe businesses should be held responsible for employees getting sick.

Come August 1^st Louisiana will significantly expand its medical marijuana laws, allowing any licensed doctor to prescribe the treatment to a patient suffering from a “debilitating condition”. Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives lobbyist Danny Ford says this expansion will undoubtedly strain the state’s limited supply of treatment at first, but it should improve as LSU is the state’s only licensed grower, and…

Cut 15 (11)“ very soon” 

The State Treasury Department will launch a 300-million dollar small business COVID relief grant program in July as a result of legislation signed by the governor. Treasurer John Schroder says businesses with under 50 employees can be eligible for up to 15,000 dollars if they have documented proof of COVID related losses.

Cut 9 (10) “…Louisiana.”

New research from personal finance website WalletHub indicates 6 in 10 Americans think COVID-19 has changed the way we work for the better.  But WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says most workers are happy about the work culture changes, parents aren’t…

Cut 11 (09) “…being more productive.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a bill that would have provided companies impacted by COVID-19 a rebate for hiring or rehiring employees. Covington Representative Mark Wright says businesses would be eligible for the program if they hired at least five people and added 40-thousand dollars in total payroll

Cut 3 (07)  “…sticking it out”  

The legislation received overwhelming support in the legislature and it could be brought up again in a potential veto session. Edwards vetoed citing the cost.

A onetime confirmed and admitted incoming LSU freshman who filmed himself screaming the n-word on camera along with other racist comments will not be attending the state’s flagship university in fall. LSU has refused to comment further on the subject citing privacy concerns.

More Louisiana residents will be eligible for medical marijuana treatment under legislation signed into law by the governor…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Governor Edwards signs legislation barring residents from suing a restaurant, claiming they got the coronavirus from their business. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says the law will help thwart wasteful litigation, but notes that if restaurants refuse to follow COVID guidelines like mandatory mask wearing for employees they could still get sued.

Cut 6 (09) “…misconduct”

Take-out, drive-thru, and delivery food services are covered under the new law which is retroactive to March 11th.

The State Treasury Department will launch a 300-million dollar small business COVID relief grant program in July as a result of legislation signed by the governor. Treasurer John Schroder says once the program gets started, they will take applications from businesses that did not receive federal coronavirus relief funding

Cut 7 (08) “…benefits”

There are 24 new COVID-19 fatalities reported in the state today, more than the last three days combined. Total deaths: 2,930. Hospitalizations… up by 20, bringing the total to 588. Total cases: 47,706… up by 534, but the Department of Health says 148 of those come from a testing backlog.

Starting sometime in July Louisiana small businesses will be allowed to apply for a state grant worth up to 15,000 dollars to help deal with COVID related losses. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

New research from the personal finance website WalletHub indicates almost 60% of Americans think COVID-19 has changed the way we work for the better.  WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says around a third of Americans feel physical offices are a thing of the past and many will choose where to live based on things other than proximity to the office.

Cut 10 (08) “…nearby outdoor activities.”

About a third of respondents also believe businesses should be held responsible for employees getting sick.

Governor John Bel Edwards signs a bill that greatly expands access to medical marijuana. Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives lobbyist Danny Ford says this measure allows any doctor in good standing to recommend medical cannabis to a patient suffering from a debilitating condition…

Cut 13 (11) “…could help”  

Governor Edwards signs legislation barring residents from suing a restaurant, claiming they got the coronavirus from their business. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says it’s tough to prove where someone contracted COVID-19, but that wouldn’t stop someone from trying…

Cut 5 (10)  “…jobs”

But McMath notes that if restaurants refuse to follow COVID guidelines like mandatory mask wearing for employees they could still get sued.

The Louisiana House has approved two bills that Republicans say will lead to lower auto insurance rates because it would limit what a person can receive in compensation from an auto accident. But New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry remains skeptical…
Cut 15 (10) “…zero.”
The measure heads to the Senate for more consideration. Governor Edwards has already vetoed a similar bill.

Louisiana Highway 1 in Lafourche Parish receives $135 million in federal grant money to construct an 8.3-mile elevated highway from Leeville Bridge to Golden Meadow, making it the largest transportation grant in America. Congressman Garret Graves says the road is vital to get to Port Fourchon.
Cut 11 (13) “…the United States.”
The governor’s office says in order to alleviate the impacts of frequent flooding, the roadway will be elevated 22 feet above sea level and connect to the existing L-A one bridge.

The state reports the third straight day of double digit addition of COVID-19 hospitalizations, bringing the total to 588, up by 20. Total cases: 47,706… up by 534, but the Department of Health says 148 of those come from a testing backlog dating back to mid-April. There are 24 new deaths reported today, more than the last three days combined. Total death toll is at 2,930. Ventilator usage is at 77, up by one.