The state marked a milestone in COVID-19 deaths today topping four thousand. The total number of deaths since March related to the coronavirus is now at 4,028. Case numbers increased by 1,303. The daily testing rate is at 6.61 percent. Hospitalizations decreased by fourteen, and vent usage also declined, down by eight.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center bumps up the number of expected storms for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook. Brooke Thorington has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”  

A Baton Rouge judge sides with Governor John Bel Edwards over business owners who filed suit in an attempt to lift coronavirus restrictions including the mask mandate, bar closures, and crowd size limitations.  Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Alex Billioux says if a bar patron is drinking throughout the time at the business, there is a good chance they are leaving the mask off which is why bars are just not safe.

Cut 6 (08) “…quite as long.”

The 25-member task force formed in response to the George Floyd protests aimed at studying policing policy reform met today for the first time since being formed by the Legislature. Taskforce Member Baton Rouge Representative Ted James asked why law enforcement trainees spend 24-hours training for defensive tactics, but only six hours on biased policing recognition.

Cut 11 (07) “…education”

A Baton Rouge judge sides with Gov. Edwards in a lawsuit filed by four Jefferson Parish business owners seeking to lift the governor’s coronavirus restrictions, including the state’s mask mandate, closure of bars, and limits on crowd gatherings. 19th Judicial District Judge Janice Clark says Edwards can issue executive orders during emergencies in an effort to “limit the loss of life.” The motion to stop enforcement of the mandate was denied.

A 25-member task force aimed at studying policing policy reform met today for the first time since being formed by the Legislature in response to the George Floyd protests. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields was named chairman and the members come from a range of backgrounds, including civil rights activists, lawmakers, and law enforcement.

Cut 10 (11) “…office”

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center increases the number of expected storms for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook, now calling for up to 19 to 25 named storms with 7 to 11 becoming hurricanes. Lead hurricane forecaster Dr. Gerry Bell says there have already been 5 landfalling storms in the US this season and he expects more to threaten the US in the coming months.

Cut 5 (06)  “…and major hurricanes.”

The Preseason Amway Coaches Football Poll for the 2020 college season lists Clemson at the top spot for the second year in a row. The LSU Tigers ranked fifth in the poll. The Ohio State Buckeyes filled the second spot, the Alabama Crimson Tide followed at three and the Georgia bulldogs took the fourth spot.  Three SEC teams filled out the top five of the Amway Preseason Coaches Poll.

The state tops four thousand in COVID-19 deaths today reaching a total of 4,028. Case numbers increased by 1,303.

A 25-member task force aimed at studying policing policy reform met today for the first time since being formed by the Legislature in response to the George Floyd protests. Each member introduced themselves, including NAACP Louisiana President Michael McClanahan who says it’s an honor to participate.

Cut 9 (12) “streets”

The Preseason Amway Coaches poll for the 2020 college football season lists Clemson at the top spot for the second year in a row and ranks the LSU Tigers at number five. Ohio State follows at number two, then Alabama at three and Georgia at the fourth spot. That marks three SEC teams in top five of the Amway Coaches Poll.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center bumps up the number of expected storms for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook, now calling for up to 19 to 25 named storms with 7 to 11 becoming hurricanes. Lead hurricane forecaster Dr. Gerry Bell says the development of La Nina conditions contributes to conditions being more hospitable for hurricane formation and intensification.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…stronger Atlantic storms.”

Louisiana residents receiving unemployment will now have to begin applying for at least three jobs a week in order to keep their benefits. Louisiana’s June unemployment rate was about ten percent, but Louisiana Workforce Commission Assistant Secretary Robert Wooley says there’s a lot of jobs available right now if you search.

Cut 6 (10) “…Louisiana”

The work search requirement is standard for Louisiana unemployment but was waived by the Governor April 7^th.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center bumps up the number of expected storms for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook, now calling for up to 19 to 25 named storms with 7 to 11 becoming hurricanes. Lead hurricane forecaster Dr. Gerry Bell says in addition to warmer than normal sea surface temps, a mix of factors contribute to the upgrade.

Cut 3 (09)  “…spin up storms.”  

Louisiana residents receiving unemployment will now have to begin applying for at least three jobs a week to keep their benefits. Currently, the 600 dollars a week of federal enhanced benefits have stopped, and Louisiana Workforce Commission Assistant Secretary Robert Wooley says he knows the situation is difficult, but…

Cut 4 (07)_ “…opportunity”

The LHSAA has decided to delay the start of the prep football season to October eighth. Executive director Eddie Bonine says the goal is to play a six to eight regular-season game schedule. Bonine says they are also looking at pushing the state football championships back from the second weekend in December

Cut 7 (12) “…playoff structure.”

The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction takes place tonight in Baton Rouge, recognizing those that have made significant contributions to the state’s ag industry. Louisiana Radio Network Farm Broadcaster Don Molino says the event will look different this year with a live stream, but it brings the event to a bigger audience than ever.

Cut 14 (10) “…and Louisiana agriculture.”

The live stream starts at 7 PM on the Louisiana Radio Network Facebook page.

Governor Edwards is reinstating work search requirements for those receiving unemployment insurance benefits. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A Gonzales bar and a Lake Charles bar have been cleared to re-open after being shut down by the ATC. The Pelican Pub owner agreed to a 250 dollar fine for repeatedly violating corona standards. The lake Charles arrangement was similar.

The LHSAA has decided to delay the start of the prep football season to October eighth. Executive director Eddie Bonine says the goal is to play a six to eight regular-season game schedule. Bonine says they are also looking at pushing the state football championships back from the second weekend in December
Cut 7 (12) “…playoff structure.”

NOAA will reveal its updated 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season forecast at 10 AM today, with all signs pointing to an upgraded projection due to the current record-setting year.
State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ve never seen so many storms so early in the season…
Cut 10 (13) “on record”

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The LHSAA has decided to delay the start of the prep football season to October eighth. Executive director Eddie Bonine says the goal is to play a six to eight regular-season game schedule. Bonine says they are also looking at pushing the state football championships back from the second weekend in December
He says in order for the season to start during the second weekend in October, the state needs to move into phase 3 of its reopening and then a two week stretch of coronavirus cases continuing to decline…
Cut 8 (12) “…collison sport.”

NOAA will reveal its updated 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season forecast at 10 AM today, with all signs pointing to an upgraded projection due to the current record-setting year.
State Climatologist Barry Keim says it is very likely that we will see so many named storms this year that we have to start using Greek alphabet letters to name them.
Cut 12 (10) “…season”
During 2005 the first six letters of the Greek alphabet were used for storm names. Two of those became hurricanes.

Louisiana residents receiving unemployment will now have to begin applying for at least three jobs a week in order to keep their benefits.
Louisiana Workforce Commission Assistant Secretary Robert Wooley says there’s a lot of jobs available right now if you go looking.
Cut 6 (10) “…Louisiana”

The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction takes place tonight in Baton Rouge, recognizing those that have made significant contributions to the state’s ag industry. Louisiana Radio Network Farm Broadcaster Don Molino says
This year’s inductees are James Barnett, John Denison, Jay Hardwick and Calvin Viator will actually all be participating in the ceremony from their homes.
Cut 15 (14) “…need a farmer.”

We’ve seen a record-breaking number of named storms form this early in the hurricane season and a state climatologist predicts we will run out of names by the end of the year…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

A Gonzales bar and a Lake Charles bar have been cleared to re-open after being shut down by the ATC. The Pelican Pub owner agreed to a 250 dollar fine for repeatedly violating corona standards. The lake Charles arrangement was similar.

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Louisiana residents receiving unemployment will now have to begin applying for at least three jobs a week in order to keep their benefits.
Negotiations are ongoing in Congress about a potential extension. Democrats want a full 600 dollar a week extension through the end of the year. Republicans are seeking a lower number. Louisiana Workforce Commission Assistant Secretary Robert Wooley says
if you apply for jobs through LAworks.net those applications will autofill in when you submit your weekly unemployment certification. If you apply by phone or another website…
Cut 5 (07) “…form”

The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction takes place tonight in Baton Rouge, recognizing those that have made significant contributions to the state’s ag industry. Louisiana Radio Network Farm Broadcaster Don Molino says The annual ceremony was originally scheduled for March but got bumped back due to the coronavirus. Molino says the event will look different this year with a live stream, but it brings the event to a bigger audience than ever.
Cut 14 (10) “…and Louisiana agriculture.”
The live stream starts at 7 PM on the Louisiana Radio Network Facebook page.

The LHSAA has decided to delay the start of the high school football season until October 8th. Jeff Palermo has more…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Louisiana residents receiving unemployment will now have to begin applying for at least three jobs a week in order to keep their benefits.
600 dollar a week federal enhanced benefits are ending and Louisiana Workforce Commission Assistant Secretary Robert Wooley says he knows the situation is difficult, but…
Cut 4 (07)_ “…opportunity”

NOAA will reveal its updated 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season forecast at 10 AM today, with all signs pointing to an upgraded projection due to the current record-setting year.
Colorado State hurricane center upgraded its projection to 24 named storms yesterday. State Climatologist Barry Keim says both agencies are bullish on the rest of the season.
Cut 11 (10) “…are”

The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction takes place tonight in Baton Rouge, recognizing those that have made significant contributions to the state’s ag industry. Louisiana Radio Network Farm Broadcaster Don Molino says the concept originated a few years ago when it became clear the industry wasn’t receiving enough praise.
Cut 13 (10) “…thank a farmer.”

The LHSAA has decided to delay the start of the prep football season to October eighth. Executive director Eddie Bonine says the goal is to play a six to eight regular-season game schedule. Bonine says they are also looking at pushing the state football championships back from the second weekend in December
Cut 7 (12) “…playoff structure.”

NOAA will reveal its updated 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season forecast at 10 AM today, with all signs pointing to an upgraded projection due to the current record-setting year.
State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ve never seen so many storms so early in the season…
Cut 10 (13) “on record”
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Governor Edwards is reinstating work search requirements for those receiving unemployment insurance benefits. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and the Louisiana Department of Education have partnered to provide a million masks for schools. State Education Superintendent CadeBrumley says the masks will be washable and durable.

Cut 10 (11) “…office”

Anyone entering a Louisiana school campus during the fall semester will be required to wear a mask.

Senator Bill Cassidy proposes a second round of stimulus checks that would send 1,000 dollars to most Americans, instead of the previous 1,200 to working adults and 500 to their children. It may be 200 dollars less for some people, but Cassidy says a grand would still go a long way.

Cut 4 (8)_ “is.”

A Baton Rouge dad is in jail after his 10-year-old son is shot during an alleged drug transaction Baton Rouge Police Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says several of 36-year-old Kevin Evans Jr.’s children were there during the drug deal, and one of them described to police what happened…

Cut 13 (13) “…by gun fire.” 

Evans Jr. is also alleged to have had his children have hands-on involvement in the production of the drugs that he was selling.

The Colorado State Hurricane forecast team has once again upgraded its 2020 Atlantic hurricane season forecast, this time to extremely active. The 2020 hurricane season has already produced nine named storms and this latest forecast from CSU increases their projected storm total from 20 to 24. C-S-U researcher Jhordanne Jones says keep an eye on the weather radar this year…

Cut 8 (10) “do that”