The Louisiana Capitol was the site for a long and sometimes testy meeting where lawmakers, government officials, and parents discussed the use of masks against COVID-19. Jeff Palermo has the story…
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The Louisiana Nonprofit and Small Business Assistance program is now accepting grant applications, up to $25-thousand for eligible organizations and businesses. Brooke Thorington has more.
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There are three separate storm systems in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic but none of them are currently a threat to Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Tropical Storm Fred made landfall in the Florida Panhandle today, and Tropical Depression Grace, which is near Hispaniola, could be bound for Mexico.
A third system, which should form into Tropical Storm Henri (on-ree) later today, is forecasted to noodle around in the Atlantic and not make landfall in the US.
Keim says it may be peak hurricane season but we’re in the clear, for now…
Keim says a steering current is keeping the Louisiana coast safe from storms.
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A House Health and Welfare meeting at the state capitol had trouble started this morning when chairman Larry Bagley told the audience they had to wear a mask in order to be in the room. There was pushback from some…
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Capitol security had to remove several people from the room as lawmakers heard from the state’s top health official about the benefits of masks and vaccines in the fight against COVID-19. The meeting was interrupted several times, including when Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox discussed getting the vaccine…
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Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds asked the governor’s chief lawyer Matthew Block about whether the state might impose a vaccine mandate in order to enter a restaurant, bar, gym or entertainment venue but Block replied that’s not under consideration
Starting today, New Orleans is requiring a vaccine or a recent negative COVID test to enter most businesses.
Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews questioned the governor’s top lawyer on why the state is not promoting natural immunity. Crews says everyone in his household has had COVID except for him and he credits the vitamins he’s taking…
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The Department of Revenue is now accepting grant applications for the Louisiana Nonprofit and Small Business Assistance Program to support charities and small businesses who are providing COVID support and relief efforts. Secretary of Revenue Kimberly Lewis says each grant is up to $25,000.
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Lewis says workforce development includes basic education, job readiness, and job search training. They anticipate the first round of grants will go out in September and Lewis says they have a total of $10 million to distribute.
To be eligible Lewis says if your organization was in existence prior to 2020 you need to have filed tax returns for 2019 and 2020.
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The process is completely online and to assist applicants Lewis says there are checklists you can review to see if you are eligible as well as what you will need to file an application. Lewis says several nonprofits have provided much-needed services for Louisianans during this most difficult time.
For more information visit revenue.louisiana.gov
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During a House Health and Welfare Meeting at the capitol today State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter was questioned by Amite Representative and organ transplant recipient Robbie Carter about the department’s approval for a third booster shot of either the Pfizer of Moderna vaccine for the immunocompromised.
Representative Carter, who is a kidney transplant recipient, asked Kanter if he believes those like himself who are immune-compromised should seek a third dose, Kanter said yes because research indicates it can help them fight off a COVID exposure.
Carter also pointed out during the meeting that several physicians have asked him when they will be eligible for a third shot of the vaccine. Kanter responded that the state health department will follow the lead of the FDA and CDC once approval is granted outside of those who are immune-compromised.
Kanter explained to Carter that once a vaccine receives full FDA approval physicians can then prescribe for off-label use, thus approving a third dose for any patient they deem necessary.