Typically drivers start seeing increases at the pump this time of year, but that isn’t the case this year. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Louisiana reports it’s first presumptively positive test for COVID-19, a Jefferson Parish resident currently at the VA Medical Center in New Orleans. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards laid out his agenda to lawmakers on the opening day of the legislative session. Brooke Thorington has the story…

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Louisiana drivers are seeing savings at the pump during a time of year when prices traditionally increase.  A significant drop in oil prices has now sent the price per barrel into the 30s.  GasBuddy.com petroleum analyst Allison Mac says the spring and summer months usually bring an added expense for transitioning to summer grade gas.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…well into March.”

Mac says the price drop can be directly attributed to coronavirus fears reducing the demand for fuel.

Cut 5 (11)  “…out to eat.”

Louisiana started the workweek with a statewide average at $2.07 for a gallon of regular gasoline and Mac foresees more drops in the near future.

Cut 6 (11) “…the state average.”

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Louisiana has it’s first case of COVID-19, and an email to VA employees indicates that person is currently at the VA Medical Center in New Orleans, after having been admitted Friday.

Governor Edwards says it was inevitable that we got our first case. He says now is not the time to panic, but now is the time to get prepared.

Cut 7 (09) “…them to do.”

The patient was later deemed appropriate for COVID-19 testing by the Louisiana Department of Health. This test was determined to be presumptively positive Monday.

Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says the state is currently trying to identify people who were in contact with the patient, and need to take additional precautions.

Cut 8 (09) “…know that information.”

The results of the test are being submitted to the CDC for confirmation. That confirmation is expected Tuesday.

Billioux says the state is expected to be able to begin testing a larger number of people in the near future as commercial testing sites come online.

Cut 9 (05) “…do this testing.″

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Governor John Bel Edwards tells legislators on the opening day of the session that it’s unacceptable for Louisiana to continue to have the largest gender pay gap in the country. Edwards is asking lawmakers to pass a pay transparency bill that would prevent anyone from losing their job for discussing their salaries

Cut 10 (08) “…more equity.”

Since Edwards became governor in 2016, he’s pushed to raise the minimum wage, but he has not been successful. Edwards says this year he’s supporting New Orleans Senator Troy Carter’s legislation

Cut 11 (12) “…in July.”

National Federation of Independent Business state director Dawn Starns says it’s disappointing and frustrating to hear Governor Edwards double down on pressing forward with minimum wage increases and equal pay legislation.  Starns says the Governor’s attempt to fulfill a campaign promise will only result in lost jobs.

Cut 12 (07) “…next ten years.”

Starns says the pay gap between men and women is closing on its own and with a non-business friendly lawsuit climate, there is no need to create another reason for an employer to get sued.

Cut 13 (12) “…for our state.”

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The collapse in the price of oil has lawmakers concerned the state’s energy-dependent budget could take a big hit.

The Governor’s budget calls for a 128 million dollar increase in general fund spending, including 25 million for early childhood education, and 39 million for K-12 spending. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says that could impact those priorities…

Cut 14 (09) “…of that.”

There’s debate as to whether the K-12 spending increase should be used to fund a 500 dollar teacher pay raise.

Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson is concerned the uncertainty could result in legislature having to wait longer than usual into the session for a consensus from the Revenue Estimating Conference.

Cut 15 (12) “…yet.”

Without an official REC forecast, a state budget cannot be crafted.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the only good news here is that Louisiana has managed to diversify it’s revenue streams.

Cut 16  (09)  the budget” 

Matt Doyle spoke with Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Dr. Eric Smith about last night’s dramatic collapse in the price of oil…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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A Jefferson Parish resident being treated in Orleans Parish becomes the state’s first “presumptive-positive” coronavirus patient.  Kevin Barnhart has more on the testing process

cut  2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Oil prices have tumbled and the price for a barrel of oil is now in the 30s. Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Dr. Eric Smith says COVID-19 fears and worldwide overproduction could lead to a prolonged period where prices stay in the upper 20s, lower 30s per barrel.

Cut 3 (08)  “…months”  

This morning’s price collapse is the biggest since 1991.

Smith says a big part of the collapse is news that Russia and OPEC will both ramp up oil production in an apparent price war, suppressing global prices.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…below.”

That news led to a stock market collapse of seven percent, leading to the markets being halted for 15 minutes this morning.

Reports indicate the price war is partly an attack on American shale companies. Smith says it’s likely it’s many of them will consolidate with larger companies, or just go out of business.

Cut 5 (11)  “majors”.

Smith adds it won’t harm all Louisiana drilling, as liquid natural gas exists in a separate market.

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The Louisiana Department of Health has reported the state’s first presumptive-positive case of coronavirus.  A Jefferson Parish resident is currently hospitalized in Orleans Parish. State immunization director Dr. Frank Welch says anyone who experiences symptoms should call their doctor to see if they fit the profile for someone in need of testing.  If they do, special accommodations will be made.

Cut 6 (12) “…personal protective equipment.”

Welch says the first thing doctors will test for is the flu since the symptoms are so similar.

Cut 7 (13) “…at the soonest.”

While awaiting testing results to come back, it is recommended that someone isolates themselves for that couple of days.

Welch says LDH is working with all insurers within the state, including Medicaid, to make sure the test is covered.  As far as uninsured individuals, LDH is working with the federal government to make sure that cost is not a hurdle in getting tested.

Cut 8 (13) “…in writing yet.”

The governor’s office says 15 tests have been completed in Louisiana, 14 came back negative and one is positive. It still must be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham’s Chief of Staff, Luke Letlow, formally announces he’s entering the race to replace his boss who’s not seeking reelection for the 5^th Congressional District. Letlow, was immediately endorsed by Abraham and says his experience with the three-term congressman will continue to move Louisiana forward.

Cut 9 (11) “…that experience″

Letlow, a native of the small town of Smart in Richland Parish, says he identifies with the rural members of his district.

Cut 10 (12) “…row crops.”

If elected Letlow says he would seek a committee seat on the House Agriculture Committee.

Cut 11 (10) “…those committees.”

Letlow is the third Republican to announce he’s running, along with State Representative Lance Harris of Alexandria, and Ouachita Parish Police Juror Scotty Robinson of West Monroe. Candy Shoemaker-Christophe or Alexandria is the only Democrat to announce her candidacy.

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The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first presumptive positive case of the COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus. The patient is a Jefferson Parish resident who is hospitalized in Orleans Parish.

Governor Edwards told lawmakers about the case on the opening day of the 2020 Legislative session

Cut 12 (12) “…great state”

Edwards encourages lawmakers to share accurate information with their constituents and also gave them the most up to date information about ongoing testing in the state.

Cut 13 (12) “…hundred tests”

Edwards reaffirmed that his office will announce all confirmed cases and that the state is being as proactive as possible to contain the virus.

Cut 14 (12) “…the spread.”