COVID-19 Case numbers increased by 203 today for a total of 30,855 and fatalities up by 19 to 2,154. The lowest increase since the Stay in Shelter Order went into effect March 23^rd.  One of the latest coronavirus-related deaths is a child under the age of 10. Governor Edwards says the victim had a compromised immune system.

Louisiana is only given 15 million dollars for fisheries relief under the CARES Act out of the 300-million-dollar pot allocated. Congressman Garret Graves says it’s an insult and a lowball payment for the Sportsman’s Paradise…

Cut 13, 9 seconds, numbers.

Louisiana’s fishing economy has seen collapses in prices of crawfish, shrimp, and other water-based foods.

A bill is heading to the Senate floor that would prevent local governments from pursuing coastal land loss lawsuits against oil and gas companies. There are dozens of lawsuits in the court system from local governments seeking money for coastal damages done by oil and gas companies. Several local leaders testified against the legislation. Jefferson Parish council member Scott Walker…

Cut 7 (07) “.gas responsible”

The Louisiana Restaurant Association expects a busy Mother’s Day for members despite coronavirus restrictions. LRA President Stan Harris says while you can’t eat in, you can certainly take out. So, if you are picking up but aren’t serving it immediately, he says make sure you can keep everything at the proper temperature to maintain quality.

Cut 5 (11)  “…little bit.”

The state reported 203 new positive coronavirus cases today and 19 additional COVID-19 deaths. Those are the lowest numbers the state has reported since late March. The state’s death toll has reached 2,154 and one of the latest coronavirus-related deaths is a child under the age of 10. Governor Edwards says the victim had a compromised immune system.

The Louisiana Restaurant Association is expecting a busy Mother’s Day…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

There was a passionate debate at the state Capitol over a bill that would prevent parishes from pursuing lawsuits that seek money from oil and gas companies because of damage to the coast. Dozens of lawsuits have been filed, one has been tentatively settled. Freeport McMoRan has agreed to pay 100-million dollars. St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis can’t believe that the state now wants to take that money away
Cut 8 (11) “…my mind”
The bill heads to the Senate floor. Proponents say the state should be the one handling the lawsuit.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is upset Louisiana only received 15-million in federal relief dollars for the fisheries industry. Graves says Louisiana is the second-largest seafood supplier in the nation and 15-million dollars is not adequate enough…
cut 15 (09) “….Louisiana”

COVID-19 Case numbers increased by 203 today for a total of 30,855 and fatalities up by 19 to 2,154. The lowest increase since the Stay in Shelter Order went into effect March 23^rd.  Hospitalizations decreased by 73 to 1,359.

A proposal to end lawsuits filed by local governments seeking damages for coastal damage done by oil and gas companies is heading to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has more on this controversial legislation…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Louisiana Restaurant Association expects a busy Mother’s Day for members despite coronavirus restrictions. LRA President Stan Harris recommends if you are ordering take out for Sunday, place your order now.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…afternoon”

Harris says Mother’s Days is one of, if not the biggest day for the industry, and while you can’t eat in this year, you can certainly take out.

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana establishes a web tool that tracks COVID-19 data among the state’s different regions.  PAR Louisiana President Robert Travis Scott says having the data presented in plain language helps citizens set expectations of what the Governor may do in the next phase.

Cut 12 (07) “…he might make.”

The web portal for tracking the data can be found at PARLouisiana.org. On Monday, the governor is expected to announce whether the state can enter phase one of opening the economy on May 16th.

Mother’s Day is typically one of the busiest days for the restaurant industry and the Louisiana Restaurant Association says they expect take out business to be booming Sunday…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

A proposal to end lawsuits filed by local governments seeking damages for coastal damage done by oil and gas companies is heading to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has more on this controversial legislation…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

_____________________________

The Louisiana Restaurant Association expects a busy Mother’s Day for members despite coronavirus restrictions.

LRA President Stan Harris says this is one of, if not the biggest day for the industry, and while you can’t eat in, you can certainly take out…

Cut 3 (11)  “experience”  

Outdoor eating with no service is allowed and Harris says while only four percent of restaurants are permitted for patio dining many parishes have allowed non-permitted businesses to set out some tables.

Harris recommends if you are ordering take out for Mother’s Day, place your order now.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…afternoon”

If you are picking up, or having food delivered but aren’t immediately serving it Harris says make sure you can keep everything at the proper temperature to maintain quality.

Cut 5 (11)  “…little bit.”

_________________________________________________

A bill is heading to the Senate floor that would prevent local governments from pursuing coastal land loss lawsuits against oil and gas companies. Abbeville Senator Bob Hensgens his legislation clarifies who has the authority to pursue such litigation and that’s the governor and attorney general…

Cut 6 (09) “…coastal lawsuit.”

There are dozens of lawsuits in the court system from local governments seeking money for coastal damages done by oil and gas companies. Several local leaders testified against the legislation. Jefferson Parish council member Scott Walker…

Cut 7 (07) “.gas responsible”

Out of all of the lawsuits that have been filed, only one has been tentatively settled. Freeport McMoRan has agreed to pay 100-million dollars to repair coastal damages. St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis can’t believe that the state now wants to take that money away

Cut 8 (11) “…my mind”

The controversial legislation received approval from the Senate Natural Resources Committee on a four-three vote. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt has pushed for local control when it comes to reopening the economy, but in this case, she says it’s appropriate for the state to manage the coast…

Cut 9 (10) “…not right”

Opponents of the legislation argue the state doesn’t have financial resources to go after oil and gas companies for damaging the coast.

____________________________________________________

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana establishes a web tool that tracks COVID-19 data among the state’s different regions.  PAR Louisiana President Robert Travis Scott says the data leads to public confidence and restored hope in combatting the virus.

Cut 10 (09) “…and economic outcome.”

The metrics include reports of COVID-like symptoms, new positive cases, hospitalizations, and testing.  Scott says looking at the past two weeks of data, the state as a whole appears to have plateaued metrics, but one region continues to see growth.

Cut 11 (11) “…seen an increase.”

Scott says having the data presented in plain language helps citizens set expectations of what the Governor may do in the next phase.

Cut 12 (07) “…he might make.”

The web portal for tracking the data can be found at PARLouisiana.org. On Monday, the governor is expected to announce whether the state can enter phase one of opening the economy on May 16th.

______________________________

Congressman Garret Graves calls a 15 million dollar federal relief payment for Louisiana fisheries insulting.

The money came from a 300 million dollar pot established to help offset the economic impact of the pandemic on fisheries funding. Graves says it’s a lowball payment for the Sportsman’s Paradise…

Cut 13 (09) “…numbers” 

Louisiana’s fishing economy has seen collapses in prices of crawfish, shrimp, and other water-based foods.

Graves says the value of our fisheries dwarfs that of other states who received substantially bigger payouts under the CARES Act.

Cut 14 (13) “…insult”

Washington received 50 million, California 18 million, and Florida 23 million. Graves says Louisiana’s fisheries are worth 50 percent to three times more than any of those states.

Graves says they’re requesting an investigation into what he calls the “bogus” payments to states that didn’t need them, and hopefully, we can be compensated through other ways.

Cut 15 (09)“Louisiana.”

A bill is heading to the Senate floor that would prevent local governments from pursuing coastal land loss lawsuits against oil and gas companies. There are dozens of lawsuits in the court system from local governments seeking money for coastal damages done by oil and gas companies. Several local leaders testified against the legislation. Jefferson Parish council member Scott Walker…

Cut 7 (07) “.gas responsible”

The controversial legislation received approval from the Senate Natural Resources Committee on a four-three vote. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt has pushed for local control when it comes to reopening the economy, but in this case, she says it’s appropriate for the state to manage the coast…
Cut 9 (10) “…not right”
Opponents of the legislation argue the state doesn’t have financial resources to go after oil and gas companies for damaging the coast.

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana establishes a web tool that tracks COVID-19 data among the state’s different regions.  PAR Louisiana President Robert Travis Scott says the data leads to public confidence and restored hope in combatting the virus.

Cut 10 (09) “…and economic outcome.”

The web portal for tracking the data can be found at PARLouisiana.org.
Congressman Garret Graves calls a 15 million dollar federal relief payment for Louisiana fisheries insulting. The money came from a 300 million dollar pot established to help offset the economic impact of the pandemic on fisheries funding. Graves says the value of our fisheries dwarfs that of other states who received substantially bigger payouts under the CARES Act.
Cut 14 (13) “…insult”

Statewide only 19 new COVID deaths are being reported today and 203 new confirmed positive tests as numbers appear to be declining in most regions. Hospitalizations saw a significant decrease and ventilator use also declined. In the last seven days Louisiana has reported 227 new COVID deaths, the lowest seven day total in over a month.

Despite statewide decreases a Public Affairs Research Council online tool shows the Northshore region is still seeing case growth…

Cut 11 (10) “…Northshore.”

That’s PAR President Robert Travis Scott.

Louisiana is only given 15 million dollars for fisheries relief under the CARES Act out of the 300 million dollar pot allocated. Congressman Garret Graves says it’s an insult.

Cut 13, 9 seconds, numbers.

Mother’s Day is typically one of the busiest days for the restaurant industry and the Louisiana Restaurant Association says they expect take out business to be booming Sunday…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

A bill is heading to the Senate floor that would prevent local governments from pursuing coastal land loss lawsuits against oil and gas companies. Abbeville Senator Bob Hensgens says his legislation clarifies who has the authority to pursue such litigation and that’s the governor and attorney general…

Cut 6 (09) “…coastal lawsuit.”

There are dozens of lawsuits in the court system from local governments seeking money for coastal damages done by oil and gas companies.

The Louisiana Restaurant Association expects a busy Mother’s Day for members despite coronavirus restrictions shuttering indoor dining. LRA President Stan Harris says this is one of, if not the biggest day for the industry, and while you can’t eat in, you can certainly take out…

Cut 3, 11 seconds, experience

Harris says if ordering for Mother’s Day you need to place your order today.

The casino experience won’t be the same next time players step onto the gaming floor. Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board Ronnie Jones says temperature checks, mandatory hand sanitizing, and a series of screening questions will be asked before setting foot on the gaming floor.

Cut 13 (09) “…wear that mask.” 

Casino operations ceased on March 16^th, but Jones says he hopes they can reopen by the end of the month.

DOTD is taking advantage of lighter traffic to send more daytime crews out to clean litter covered roads. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says litter cleanup costs the state millions of dollars every year and dirty roads don’t look good to people considering locating to Louisiana, so once they clean these roads DOTD would appreciate if you didn’t just cover them in litter again.

Cut 5 (11)  “…as much.”

Governor Edwards is expected to give more information this afternoon about the state’s COVID-19 contact tracing procedures. Edwards says the state is hiring 700 workers to help with contact tracing, which is the process of figuring out who a coronavirus patient may have exposed
Cut 7 (12) “…close contact with.”
The contact tracers will work under the supervision of epidemiologists at call centers.

Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says casinos hope to re-open by the end of the month. Jones says casino operators are ready to practice social distancing at slot machines and table games…
cut 14 (12) “…have six people”
Casino operations ceased on March 16th.

With fewer cars on the road, the state transportation department is uping its efforts to remove litter and clear vegetation…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

It’s Mother’s day weekend, but many moms and grandmas are in the high-risk category of coming down with severe COVID-19 symptoms. L-D-H Captital Area Medical Director Doctor Dawn Marcelle says if your loved one falls into that category consider an alternative way to meet…
cut 11 (09) “….table”

Health experts say contact tracing is a key in minimizing the spread of COVID-19 and Governor Edwards is expected to release more details today on the state’s plans to reach out to individuals who may have been in contact with a person who recently tested positive for COVID-19…
cut 9 (09) “…and contact tracing”
Edwards has already said the state is hiring 700 workers to assist in the contact tracing efforts.

Meanwhile, casinos are waiting for the word on when they will reopen. Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board Ronnie Jones says casinos would like the chance to operate at 25 to 50-percent of normal capacity…
cut 15 (10) “….to be permitted”

This Mother’s Day will be difficult for many because of current COVID health recommendations. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

DOTD is taking advantage of a lower traffic volume caused by the COVID 19 shutdown to clean up our roadways. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says for the next two weeks they will dedicate extra crews to remove litter, remove tree limbs and vegetation that block line of sight.
Cut 4 (08)_ “…safe.”

As part of COVID-19 spread mitigation efforts, the state’s casino operations were put on hold on March 16th, but what will casinos look like when they reopen? Kevin Barnhart has the story…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association won a legislative battle last night when the Senate Natural Resources Committee approved legislation that would not allow local governments to sue oil and gas companies over coastal land loss. The measure heads to the Senate floor.

Louisiana is hiring 700 new workers to help with contact tracing. Governor Edwards says these workers will work at a call center, reaching out to individuals who may have been in contact with a person who recently tested positive for COVID-19…
cut 8 (10) “…days by yourself”
Edwards is expected to talk more about the state’s contact tracing plans at his 3 Pm press conference today.

The state transportation department is using this time when there are fewer vehicles on the highways to clean up litter along the roadway and clear vegetation. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says you may notice more work zones as part of this beautification effort…
cut 6 (08) “….possible”
Law enforcement has reported an increase in fatal accidents last month, despite a decrease in overall traffic volume.