Governor Edwards will announce today whether the state will move into Phase two of reopening the economy on Friday. That means bars and summer camps can re-open and non-essential travel can resume. But Edwards says even if the state goes to phase two that doesn’t mean COVID-19 has left the state…
cut 14 (10) “…it remains deadly”
The state reported just six new deaths yesterday, bringing the state’s total to 2,686.

Families of children who receive free or reduced-price meals are eligible for Pandemic EBT cards to help offset those meals lost when schools closed early, but they need to act fast. Louisiana Department of Education spokesperson Sydni Dunn says the application deadline is next Monday
Cut 7 (11) “…$285 per child.”
For more information go to the Louisianabelieves.com and click on Covid-19 Information and Resources

It’s the final day of the regular session and a tort reform bill aimed at lowering auto insurance rates is in a conference committee and is expected to receive final legislative passage today. Matt Doyle has more…
voicer 3 (27) “…Matt Doyle”

Two successful businessmen from Alexandria were killed in a plane crash near Lake Buhlow in Pineville yesterday afternoon. The victims have been identified as Ben Cooper and Blake Cooper. Blake was the executive director of the Central Louisiana Regional Port. But his seven-year-old son is expected to survive the crash.

Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to announce at 2:30 today whether the state is ready to move into Phase 2 of reopening the economy. Edwards says the metrics used to make the decision to move into phase one are still in play for determining whether the state is ready for phase two
Cut 13 (13) “…cases”
Edwards says they are also looking at testing capacity, which he says continues to improve.

State emergency planners are keeping their eye on a tropical disturbance. National Weather Service Forecaster Stephen Carboni says what was Tropical Storm Amanda in the Pacific is moving over the Yucatan Peninsula.
cut 15 (10) “….southern gulf”
Carboni ays if it does develop into a storm, it will be called Cristobal.

The deadline is nearing for families of children that received free or reduced-price meals at Louisiana schools to apply for Pandemic EBT cards. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The death of George Floyd and the subsequent arrest of a Minneapolis officer brought civil unrest to many cities across the country. But here in Louisiana, all protests and demonstrations were held without violence.

Today is the final day of the legislative session and lawmakers are poised to approve a tort reform bill that seeks to reduce auto insurance rates by at least 10-percent. A key component of the bill is lowering the jury threshold from 50-thousand to five thousand dollars. Supporters say that will result in cases involving car crashes being settled at a more reasonable amount. Before the bill passed in the House, freshman Representative Larry Frieman from Abita Springs says when he campaigned, voters complained about our high rates and this measure is our best vehicle to lowering premiums
Cut 16 (07) “…to do it”
Governor Edwards does not support this proposal and could veto the measure, but U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the votes are there to override the veto and lawmakers are staying in Baton Rouge for a special session that begins at 6:01 tonight…
cut 12 (08) “…in session”

The other big issue in the regular session, a proposal to prevent local parishes from pursuing litigation against oil and gas companies for damaging the state’s coast line did not make it through the process. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Gifford Briggs says failing to pass this legislation will cost the state thousands of potential new jobs because oil companies will refuse to invest here…
cut 9 (11) “…lost revenue”
But St. Bernard President Guy McInnis says the oil and gas industry has to pay for the damage they’ve done to the coast…
cut 11 (05) “…wetland.
Supporters of the bill say they will bring the issue back to the legislature next year.

Newly drafted LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow calls for all Americans to show support for the black community in the wake of George Floyd’s death. In his Twitter post Friday, he says “The black community needs our help. They have been unheard for far too long. Open your ears, listen and speak. This isn’t politics. This is human rights.”  The tweet has over 400-thousand likes.

There will be several changes when college students return to campus in the Fall due to COVID-19. University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says it’s all designed to protect the students, staff, and faculty. For example, changing the calendar so students will complete the semester before Thanksgiving.

Cut 6 (12) “ …after Thanksgiving”

The population of dorm rooms could change on campus, for example, a communal space that was reversed for four students before could be now be limited to two.

Tort reform legislation that supporters say will lower auto insurance rates is approved by the House and appears likely to gain final passage in one form or another Monday. The legislation lowers the jury trial threshold from 50-thousand to five-thousand dollars. But Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says this will actually hurt an injured person’s ability to recover damages.

Cut 15 (09)“ court system”

Legislation allowing delivery services that use contract workers to deliver alcohol is headed to the Governor. Bill sponsor Franklin Senator Bret Allain says it is timely legislation.

Cut 3 (11)  “…crazy”  

Restaurants are still limited to delivering sealed beer or wine, and grocery stores may deliver any type of packaged alcohol.

Legislation barring local governments from suing oil and gas companies for coastal damages will not pass this session. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

Oil and companies however won a lesser victory Friday when the Louisiana House gave final passage to a Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 that urges parish governments to drop lawsuits that accuse the companies of destroying coastal marshes and wetlands. It was approved by the House, 61-33. It does not change the law, however, it is an expression of legislative intent.

Legislation allowing delivery services that use contract workers to deliver alcohol is headed to the Governor’s desk. The bill amends last year’s alcohol delivery law. Bill sponsor Franklin Senator Bret Allain says if it’s signed into law it could really take off in a state like Louisiana.

Cut 5 (06)  “…do it.

The Louisiana House approved on Friday afternoon a proposal that will change the legal system for cases involving car accidents. Supporters say the state’s high jury threshold is a big reason why our auto insurance rates are the second-highest in the nation. Freshman Representative Larry Frieman from Abita Springs says when he campaigned, voters complained about our high rates and this measure is our best vehicle to lowering premiums

Cut 16 (07) “…to do it”

The vote was 72-28 in favor, it heads back to the Senate to see if they agree to House changes.

Legislation allowing delivery services that use contract workers to deliver alcohol is headed to the Governor. Restaurants are still limited to delivering sealed beer or wine, and grocery stores may deliver any type of packaged alcohol. Bill sponsor Franklin Senator Bret Allain says he is confident allowing contract workers the right to deliver booze won’t be a problem.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…happens”

There will be several changes when college students return to campus in the Fall due to COVID-19. University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says it is all about health and safety. Henderson says masks are going to be prevalent on UL System campuses.

Cut 8 (10) “…is available”

Legislation barring local governments from suing oil and gas companies for coastal damage dies in the House. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Gifford Briggs says the failure to pass this legislation will cost the state thousands of potential new jobs because oil companies will refuse to invest here.

Cut 9 (07) “…lost revenue”

The Louisiana House approved on Friday afternoon a proposal that will change the legal system for cases involving car accidents. Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo says every insurance company has told him they will lower rates by at least 10-percent if bill passes But Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says nowhere in the bill does it say that insurance companies must reduce rates.

Cut 14 (09) “…guarantee”

The vote was 72-28 in favor and it heads back to the Senate to see if they agree to House changes.

Activists are planning two demonstrations in New Orleans today to express solidarity with protestors in Minneapolis. The first at noon at Duncan Plaza across from city hall, organized by Take Em Down Nola and New Orleans Workers Group. The second at 5 pm at City Hall organized by the Freedom Road Socialist Organization. Organizers encourage social distancing and ask participants to wear face masks.

Health and safety measures will be in place across UL System campuses in the Fall, Jeff Palermo has more on what students and staff can expect.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The Louisiana House approved on Friday afternoon a proposal that will change the legal system for cases involving car accidents. Chalmette Representative Ray Garafalo says this tort reform bill will lower auto insurance rates

Cut 13 (09) “much higher”  

The vote was 72-28 in favor of the measure and heads back to the Senate to see if they agree to House changes to the bill.

Legislation barring local governments from suing oil and gas companies for coastal damage dies in the House. Proponents believe the lawsuits should be handled by the state, and not local governments. St. Bernard President Guy McInnis says the lawsuits are very much a local issue and they are not trying to run oil companies out of the state.

Cut 12 (11) “…of life”

Legislation blocking coastal local governments from suing the oil industry for damages dies in the House as the bill sponsor admits they just ran out of time to pass it this year. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Gifford Briggs says it is a frustrating outcome, and the lawsuits will never lead to a windfall for local governments and is just a trial lawyer scheme.

Cut 10 (08) “…pay day”

Local government leaders say the lawsuits will be instrumental in undoing industry damage.

Tort reform legislation that supports say will lower auto insurance rates is approved by the House and appears likely to gain final passage in one form or another Monday. The legislation lowers the jury threshold from 50-thousand to five-thousand dollars. But Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says this will actually hurt an injured person’s ability to recover damages.

Cut 15 (09)“ court system”

Legislation allowing delivery services that use contract workers to deliver alcohol is headed to the Governor. Bill sponsor Franklin Senator Bret Allain says it is timely legislation.

Cut 3 (11)  “…crazy”  

Restaurants are still limited to delivering sealed beer or wine, and grocery stores may deliver any type of packaged alcohol.

There will be several changes when college students return to campus in the Fall due to COVID-19. University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says it’s all designed to protect the students, staff, and faculty. For example, changing the calendar so students will complete the semester before Thanksgiving.

Cut 6 (12) “ …after Thanksgiving”

The Louisiana House approved on Friday afternoon a proposal that will change the legal system for cases involving car accidents. Supporters say the state’s high jury threshold is a big reason why our auto insurance rates are the second-highest in the nation. Freshman Representative Larry Frieman from Abita Springs says when he campaigned, voters complained about our high rates and this measure is our best vehicle to lowering premiums

Cut 16 (07) “…to do it”

The vote was 72-28 in favor, it heads back to the Senate to see if they agree to House changes.

It will be a different atmosphere on college campuses this fall due to COVID-19. University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says it’s all designed to protect the students, staff, and faculty. Henderson says this spring they learned how to improvise and implement technology, and it will be part of the changes to assist those at high-risk.

Cut 7 (10) “…possible”

Legislation allowing delivery services that use contract workers to deliver alcohol is headed to the Governor. Bill sponsor Franklin Senator Bret Allain says it is timely legislation and he’s confident allowing contract workers the right to deliver booze won’t be a problem.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…happens”.

Legislation barring local governments from suing oil and gas companies for coastal damage dies in the House. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Gifford Briggs says the failure to pass this legislation will cost the state thousands of potential new jobs because oil companies will refuse to invest here.

Cut 9 (07) “…revenue”

Proponents believe the coastal damage lawsuits should be handled by the state, and not local governments, but local officials, like St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis say coastal damage is a direct threat to their way of life.

The Louisiana House approved on Friday afternoon a proposal that will change the legal system for cases involving car accidents. Chalmette Representative Ray Garafalo says this tort reform bill will lower auto insurance rates

Cut 13 (09) “much higher”  

The vote was 72-28 in favor of the measure and heads back to the Senate to see if they agree to House changes to the bill.

Legislation barring local governments from suing oil and gas companies for coastal damage dies in the House. Proponents believe the lawsuits should be handled by the state, and not local governments. St. Bernard President Guy McInnis says the lawsuits are very much a local issue and they are not trying to run oil companies out of the state.

Cut 12 (11) “…of life”

Legislation allowing delivery services that use contract workers to deliver alcohol is headed to the Governor’s desk. Bill sponsor Franklin Senator Bret Allain says if it’s signed into law it could really take off in a state like Louisiana.

Cut 5 (06)  “…do it.

Health and safety measures will be in place across UL System campuses in the Fall, Jeff Palermo has more on what students and staff can expect.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”