Louisiana is up to 196 COVID-19 positive tests as the pandemic continues to spread across the state, with East Baton Rouge Parish now reporting it’s first case.

Congress is also negotiating with the Trump Administration about a potential financial aid package, headlined by the President’s call that every America receives an aid check in the mail to help head off economic damage caused by COVID-19 closures. An exact number has not been agreed to, but the number most commonly floated is one thousand dollars.

 Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says the fed assistance is appreciated, but locals need to pitch in too with the Gift Card Challenge. He says gift cards will give restaurants the cash they desperately need now.

Cut 11 (07) “near term.”

900,000 people in the state are employed by small businesses.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking a waiver so they can cancel standardized exams for this year, which would also mean test scores would not be part of a teacher’s evaluation. BESE President Sandy Holloway says BESE and the Louisiana Department of Education are also crafting a letter to the United States Department of Education because they have the ultimate authority in granting any sort of flexibility.

Cut 7 (10) “…for a waiver.”

Drew Brees and the Saints have reportedly agreed to a new two-year 50-million dollar contract to keep the future hall of famer in New Orleans. Before announcing that he would play a 20th season, Brees says he’s taking it year-by-year on whether he’ll keep playing. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says a two-year contract benefits the Saints

Cut 14 (10) “…wiggle room.”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins releases a video aimed at Governor Edwards, criticizing his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.  Edwards ordered the closure of bars, movie theatres, casinos, and limiting restaurant service to carry out and delivery.  Higgins says it’s hard to comprehend the Edwards’s decisions.

Cut 3 (10)  “…they’re not stupid.”  

The Governor’s office has responded saying Congressman Higgins clearly cares more about Facebook views than Louisianans.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking a waiver so they can cancel standardized exams for this year, which would also mean test scores would not be part of a teacher’s evaluation. BESE President Sandy Holloway says with schools closed until April 13th, this is the right thing to do.

Cut 6 (10) “…families and educators.”

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says state companies are getting hammered right now as a result of COVID-19 shutdowns. LABI President Stephen Waguespack says the crisis is an threat to the existence of the state’s 450,000 small businesses that employ 900,000 people whose jobs are now threatened.

Cut 9 (10) “…this″

LABI is also encouraging residents to buy gift cards from local impacted businesses, and order online to support them.
Drew Brees and the Saints have reportedly agreed to a new two-year 50-million dollar contract to keep the future hall of famer in New Orleans. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says it’s the right move to re-sign the 41-year-old at an affordable price for a star quarterback…

Cut 12 (10) “…some leeway.”

The latest numbers show there are 171 cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana, with the death toll rising to four in the most recent report. Of the 12 parishes reporting cases, the New Orleans region leads the state, with 116 cases in Orleans Parish and 31 cases in Jefferson Parish.
The Saints and quarterback Drew Brees have reportedly agreed to a new two-year contract 50-million dollar contract.

cut  2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is encouraging residents to buy gift cards from local businesses impacted by COVID-19, and order online to support them. LABI President Stephen Waguespack says if you want to see those businesses reopen, you have to support them.

Cut 10 (10) “challenge.”

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking a waiver so they can cancel standardized exams for this year, which would also mean test scores would not be part of a teacher’s evaluation. BESE has already decided that annual school performance scores will not be announced next year. BESE President Sandy Holloway says certain requirements for graduating seniors have also been set aside…

Cut 8 (12) “…them through this.”

You are not able to eat inside a restaurant today or go to the movies, a bar or your local fitness club as a result of new restrictions put into place by Governor Edwards. But Congressman Clay Higgins is upset that the governor demanded certain businesses to shut down and wonders how the state plans to enforce it…
cut 5 (13) “…is our property”
Law enforcement agencies issued a joint statement this afternoon that they intend to enforce the governor’s restrictions on public gatherings.

Small businesses will suffer as a result of this partial economic shutdown. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack is asking the public to purchase gift cards from their favorite local restaurants…
cut 11 (09) “…some another month”
Waguespack is calling it the gift card challenge.

Schools are closed for a second straight day across the state and they’ll remain closed until at least April 13th. Students were set to take standardized tests in a couple of weeks, but Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Sandy Holloway says they are seeking a waiver from the state and federal government so they do have to give LEAP exams this year…
cut 7 (10) “…for a waiver”

The Saints and quarterback Drew Brees have reportedly agreed on a two-year, 50-million dollar contract. Brees is 41-years-old, but NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the future Hall of Famer gives New Orleans the best chance to win in 2020…
cut 13 (09) “…this league”
Backup Q-B Teddy Bridgewater is reportedly set to sign with the Panthers as Carolina is reportedly looking to trade Cam Newton.

The state health department reported 35 new cases of coronavirus today and an additional death, bringing the death toll to four and there are now 171 cases. The governor’s office says two of the four victims are from the Lambeth assisted living facility in New Orleans.

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins calls out Governor Edwards for shutting down restaurants, bars, and other businesses because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking a waiver so they can cancel standardized exams for this year, which would also mean test scores would not be part of a teacher’s evaluations. Public schools are closed until April 13th because of COVID-19. BESE President Sandy Holloway believes Governor Edwards will grant the request.
Cut 6 (10) “…families and educators.”

There is good news for many Saints fans today, Drew Brees has reportedly agreed to a two-year, 50-million dollar contract to stay in New Orleans.Before announcing that he would play a 20th season, Brees says he’s taking it year-by-year on whether he’ll keep playing. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says a two-year contract benefits the Saints
Cut 14 (10) “…wiggle room.”

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says state companies are getting hammered right now as a result of COVID-19 shutdowns. LABI President Stephen Waguespack says the crisis is an existential threat to the state’s 450,000 small businesses who employ 900,000 people whose jobs are now threatened.

Cut 9, 10 seconds, this

LABI is also encouraging residents to buy gift cards from local impacted businesses, and order online to support them.

The Governor’s order that everything from gyms to movie theaters close and restaurants switch to carry out, drive through, and delivery, is not sitting well with southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins. Higgins says it’s an assault on your freedoms.

Cut 4 (13)_ “…Chinese virus, okay?”

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain requests that if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 that you allow a family member to care for the pet, and If you receive a pet from an infected family member, Strain says you need to disinfect it.

Cut 6 (08) “…reccomended.”

Strain says if you receive a pet from a family member, wear gloves, a facemask, and immediately change your clothes after bathing the potentially contaminated pet.

In some non-COVID news, Drew Brees and the Saints have reportedly agreed to a new two-year 50-million dollar contract to keep the future hall of famer in New Orleans. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says it’s the right move to re-sign the 41-year-old at an affordable price for a star quarterback…

Cut 12 (10) “…some leeway.”

Backup Teddy Bridgewater is reportedly set to sign with Carolina.

A fourth Louisianan has died of COVID-19, this time another resident of a New Orleans based nursing home as the state registers 171 positive cases of the virus. As the numbers grow, so too does the state’s response, with a mandate that all restaurants switch to carry out only, and all gyms and bars shut their doors until April 13^th. The Governor also asks residents not to panic about food shortages. He says that’s not going to happen.

Cut 11 (13) “…of time”

Edwards noted the April 13^th timeline could be extended another 13 days.

That fourth death should be a reminder to everyone about the importance of social distancing.  Our Lady of the Lake Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal says to save your vulnerable friends and family, you need to put COVID-19 on your calendar…

Cut 13 (11) “remotely.”

The 2020 Legislative Session is suspended until March 31^st after a 100-1 vote in the House yesterday. Lafayette Republican Stuart Bishop says it’s in the public, and lawmaker’s best interest.

Cut 9 (09) “…people of Louisiana.″

Bishop noted that it would be awful hard to get 53 votes to pass any legislation when the state is banning gatherings of more than 50 people.

One person who is not happy about everything shutting down for COVID-19? Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins. Higgins blasted Governor Edwards for ordering the closures of everything from movie theaters to casinos and more. Higgins says it’s hard to comprehend the Edwards’s decisions.

Cut 3 (10)  “…they’re not stupid.”  

Higgins says there is no statute to charge businesses under if they chose to stay open.

The number of coronavirus cases in Louisiana is up to 171 and now four people have died from COVID-19 based on information released this morning by the state department of health. Two of the four people who have died, lived at the Lambeth House assisted living facility in New Orleans.

The rising number of deaths is why Governor John Bel Edwards has put new restrictions in place through April 13th. All bars, gyms, movie theaters and casinos are closed, and restaurants are limited to carry out and delivery service in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus Edwards has also called for the mobilization of 400 guardsmen…
Cut 10 (13) “…week.”

There is good news for many Saints fans today, Drew Brees has reportedly agreed to a two-year, 50-million dollar contract to stay in New Orleans.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the COVID-19 crisis is making it difficult for some people to take care of their pets. Strain says unless you absolutely cannot care for your pet, don’t turn it over to the state, or set it loose.
Cut 4 (05)_ “pet.”
Strain says your pet can not be infected with COVID-19, but pets may temporarily harbor the virus on its coat or other areas of the pet’s body. He says if you are diagnosed with COVID-19, allow a family member to care for your pets.

An official announcement is expected today from the Southeastern Conference that its baseball and softball championship events are canceled. And athletics director Scott Woodward says the financial impact of sports cancellations are not a concern, adding that ticket holders will see money coming back for games that were not played, it just may take a little time…
cut 16 (08) “…refund your tickets”

You can not sit in a restaurant today as a result of Governor John Bel Edwards’ mandate that has limited restaurants to delivery and takeout. But Edwards says the country’s food supply chain is intact and efficient and grocery stores are not in danger of completely running out of food…
cut 11 (13) “…of time”
Edwards has also shut down bars, casinos, movie theaters, and fitness center.

And the Louisiana Legislature has adjourned until March 31st. Lafayette Republican Stuart Bishop told the House that mathematically there is no way to get business done if following CDC guidelines that limit public gatherings…
cut 7 (11) “…to pass anything”
When lawmakers return, they’ll need to pass a budget by July 1st.

LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward says the coronavirus pandemic raises plenty of questions on the impact on LSU sports. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Sun Belt Conference has announced that spring sports have been canceled for the remainder of the year. Conference USA has made the same decision due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

And Organizers with the Festival International de Louisiane has canceled the five-day music festival that was set to begin April 22nd in Lafayette.

Bars, casinos, gyms, and fitness centers are closed today in response to the state’s effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Restaurants can only offer delivery or take out. The state is reporting 136 cases of COVID 19 and the virus has been confirmed in eleven parishes. But Governor Edwards expects every parish will soon be impacted…
cut 12 (15) “….in the country”

Edwards has banned public gatherings of 50 people or more. Senator Bill Cassidy, who is also a doctor, is urging residents to listen to the governor. He says these restrictions are the only way to minimize the number of lives lost.

State lawmakers have returned to their districts as the 2020 regular session has been suspended until March 31st. Lake Charles Republican Phillip Tarver is the only legislator to object because he says adjournment is the wrong message to send to citizens and they must continue to conduct the state’s business…
cut 8 (08) “….citizens to do”
Lawmakers will have to pass a budget by July 1st.

LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward says he wants to see the spring sports athletes get another year of eligibility after seeing their seasons cut short as a result of the coronavirus. The NCAA has already indicated this will happen. He says there are about 120 student-athletes remaining on campus and some services are open to them, like the cafeteria…
cut 15 (13) “…as we are talking”