Louisiana’s television and film industry has felt the impact of COVID-19, but when will it start to come back? Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Boyd Gaming is laying off a reported 15-hundred workers at their five casino properties in Louisiana. The five locations are Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino in Shreveport, Treasure Chest in Kenner, Amelia Belle in St. Mary Parish, Delta Downs in Vinton and Evangeline Downs Racetrack. These locations lost an estimated 70-million dollars in March and April.

Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy says the death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis Police Officers should not have occurred, but defunding police is not the answer to fighting police abuse. Cassidy says cutting law enforcement budgets will only help criminals…
cut 3 (11) “…fund the police”
Cassidy says the focus should be on police reform and the G-O-P plans could be unveiled next week.

LOSFA is processing 2020 high school graduates TOPS eligibility and in order to avoid any delay they are asking grads to complete their FAFSA forms by July 1st. LOFSA Executive Director Sujuan Boutte says students should also set up a Student Hub account to track their TOPS status…
Cut 10 (13) “…study.”
For more information go to my-los-fa-dot-la-dot-gov.

There’s little chance for rain this weekend, which makes it a perfect weekend to go fishing. And this weekend, a fishing license is not required, so anyone can drop a line in the water. With many families looking for safe outdoor activities during the COVID pandemic, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Ed Pratt says their Free Fishing Weekend is the ideal opportunity….
cut 9 (09) “….the virus”

The state reported 19 more COVID-19 deaths yesterday, bringing the state’s death toll to 2,874. Cameron, Tensas, Sabine, LaSalle and East Carroll are among the parishes that have yet to report a COVID-19 death.

We are waiting more information from the Monroe Police Department on a murder-suicide involving a mother and multiple children at the Parkview Apartment complex. The number of people shot and fatalities is unknown.

The FAFSA priority deadline for 2020 high school grads is fast approaching…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

If you are waiting on a Louisiana Pandemic EBT card look for a white envelope with an Austin, Texas return address…
cut 13 (05) “….money inside”
That’s state Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn, who says the deadline to apply for a Pandemic EBT card is Monday. It’s for families who have children who normally get free or reduced-price meals at school. For more info, go to louisiana-believes-dot-com.

There’s a troubling story out of Monroe today as police there say they are investigating a murder-suicide involving children. Investigators say a mother shot a number of children at an apartment complex and then turned the gun on herself. Authorities have not said how many children were shot.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is encouraging residents to participate in their free fishing weekend…
cut 2 (29) “….I’m Brooke Thorington”

COVID-19 has put the brakes on television and film productions in Louisiana, but the industry is preparing to get back to work soon. Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment Chris Stelly anticipates cameras will roll again in July or August.
Cut 4 (08) “…them in reentry.”
There is some uncertainty as to how quickly the industry will come back and at what volume.

The House Ways and Means Committee has approved an eight percent tax on online fantasy sports contests, which is in line with what other states charge. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says the estimated tax revenue is 365-thousand dollars and the money will go towards early childhood education…
cut 17 (07) “….forward”
In 2018, voters in 47 parishes approved the legalization of playing online fantasy sports and if this tax bill passes, it could be up and running in those parishes in time for the football season.

Just like with so many other things during the COVID-19 pandemic, TV and movie production in Louisiana has been put on hold. But Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment Chris Stelly says production companies are planning to get cameras rolling again in July or August…
cut 5 (07) “….in the state”

The deadline to apply for the Pandemic E-B-T program is Monday at 4:30 PM. Louisiana Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says families with students who qualify for free or reduced prices meals at their respective schools are eligible for a 285-dollar per child E-B-T debit card…
cut 14 (11) “…those benefits
The debit cards will arrive in a plain white envelope so don’t throw it out.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is encouraging you to grab a pole and take part in their annual Free Fishing Weekend this Saturday and Sunday. That means you do not need a license to fish. LDWF spokesperson Ed Pratt says it is the perfect time for experienced anglers to introduce the sport to a novice.
Cut 7 (12) “…out there too.”

A 43-year-old Lafourche Parish man has died while trying to save his six-year-old son that got caught up in the undertow at Grand Isle beach. The child was rescued but Christopher Boudreaux is the sixth person in the last six weeks to drown at Grand Isle.

Online fantasy sports played for cash prizes are one step closer to reality in 47 parishes that approved the activity as a House committee easily clears a bill setting the tax structure for it. The final fiscal note on it shows it won’t be generating much revenue, roughly 365,000 dollars a year, but supporters are happy that meager amount will at least be dedicated to early childhood education. Bill sponsor Crowley Representative John Stefanski says it’s not much, but every little bit helps.

Cut 17  (07) “…forward”  AM 6-12

If this tax plan were to be signed into law by Governor Edwards online fantasy sports gaming could be up and running in the state for the coming football season.

Lawmakers approve a 34 billion dollar budget that uses federal money to avoid having to make deep budget cuts despite the decline in state revenue. The budget was stitched together with those federal funds, so if the state were to see a mid-year revenue shortfall could that be remedied with another round of help from D.C.? House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue…

Cut 12 (10) “…unlikely” AM 6-11

Despite that federal assistance, there will be some budget cuts including 21 million dollars to higher education. For now, the budget heads to the Senate for more debate.

Governor Edwards signs legislation approving laxer laws for alcohol delivery in the state. Under the new law contract workers operating under third party deliverers like Uber Eats and Waitr can make deliveries of sealed beer or wine, and deliverers working for grocery stores can deliver any sealed booze.

Edwards also signs into law legislation that was set to be brought by the late Representative Reggie Bagala OKing the creation of an LSU license plate. Bagala, a freshman, never had a chance to move the bill himself due to his COVID-19 related death before the session began.

Governor Edwards mentioned he’s disheartened to see rising COVID-19 transmission rates in some areas. He indicated it’s due to people starting to slack off on mask-wearing.
Cut 11 (06) “…the case.”
Most recent COVID-19 numbers for the state today show an increase in cases by 442. Overall hospitalizations have declined across the state but the Lake Charles, Alexandria, and Monroe regions see continued growth.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, many drivers are partaking in dangerous activities, despite knowing better. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says those involved in recent crashes admit they are still engaging in dangerous activities and doing so more than those not involved in crashes.

Cut 7 (11) “…a crash recently.”

The Middleton Library on LSU’s campus will have a new name. The building has been named after General Troy Middleton, a war hero, who served as LSU’s president from 1951 to 1962. Middleton is also known as a segregationist. Blackout LSU organizer Gideon Adeyemo is delighted with the news…

Cut 3 (09)  “…as possible”  

The Middleton family opposes the change saying it erases history. Governor Edwards backed the change.

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs has resumed burial services at its five state-run veteran’s cemeteries. Spokesperson Brandee Patrick says the services were suspended on March 17^th per CDC recommendations, and are resuming under the New Normal.

Cut 12 (11) “Covering”

Seating will be limited at committals and all handling of floral arrangements must be taken care of by the family or funeral home workers.

Governor Edwards says since May 15th the COVID contact tracing program has reached out to nearly every person with a positive confirmed case to ask them who they may have infected, but…

Cut 9 (09) “reach.”

Most recent COVID-19 numbers for the state today show an increase in cases by 442.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, many drivers are partaking in dangerous activities, despite knowing better. AAA spokesperson Don Redman recommends drivers slowing down, staying alert, and putting away your phone while driving, as many on the roads are shaking off the rust from reduced driving during the pandemic.

Cut 8 (10) “…have right now.”

LSU’s Middleton Library, named after WW2 general and segregationist Troy Middleton, will be renamed. The name change comes after several meetings black student leaders have had with LSU’s administration since a video from a social media post emerged of an incoming LSU student yelling a racist slur. LSU Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Mary Werner expects the Board will approve a motion to rename the library…

Cut 5 (12)  “…listening.”

There’s no word on a possible new name for the library.

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs has resumed burial services at its five state-run veteran’s cemeteries. Spokesperson Brandee Patrick says it’s an honor to get back to working with the families of some of our nation’s finest.

Cut 14 (07) “…children”

Governor Edwards says since May 15th the COVID contact tracing program has had success but has run into problems of people not answering their phones. The Governor says if you’re exposed you will likely be asked to self-quarantine. It’s not mandatory, but…

Cut 10 (06) “…to do.”

Most recent COVID-19 numbers for the state today show an increase in cases by 442.

LSU’s Middleton Library, named after WW2 general and segregationist Troy Middleton, will be renamed. LSU NAACP chapter president Cam Crier says it should’ve been changed long ago…

Cut 4 (08)_ “…the making”

When Middleton served as LSU’s President he sent a letter to the University of Texas that said LSU does not support whites and blacks participating together on athletic teams and the school keeps black students separate from whites.

Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows many drivers are partaking in dangerous activities, even though they know better. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says 96% of drivers admitted that driving while texting is extremely or very dangerous, but do it anyway

Cut 6 (11) “…running red lights.”

Redman recommends slowing down, staying alert, and putting your phone away while driving, as many on the roads are shaking off the rust from reduced driving during the pandemic.

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs has resumed burial services at its five state-run veteran’s cemeteries. Spokesperson Brandee Patrick says their cemetery offices have also reopened to assist those who need burial service consultations.

Cut 13 (11) “…assistance”  

The LDVA has also reopened its 74 veterans parish service offices.

LSU will rename the Middleton Library on its Baton Rouge campus. Jeff Palermo explains why…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Governor Edwards says he’s concerned about rising rates of COVID transmission linked to social gatherings. He says folks have been slacking on their mask-wearing…

Cut 11 (06) “…the case.

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs has resumed burial services at its five state-run veteran’s cemeteries. Spokesperson Brandee Patrick says the services were suspended on March 17^th per CDC recommendations, and are resuming under the New Normal.

Cut 12 (11) “Covering”

Seating will be limited at committals and all handling of floral arrangements must be taken care of by the family or funeral home workers.

Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows many drivers are partaking in dangerous activities, even though they know better. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says those involved in recent crashes admit they are still engaging in dangerous activities and doing so more than those not involved in crashes.

Cut 7 (11) “…a crash recently.”

43% of those involved in a recent crash admit to texting while driving in the past month versus 27% of those not involved in crashes.