7:30 LRN Newscast March 24

There are over 11-hundred known coronavirus cases in Louisiana and 34 deaths. There are many more who have the symptoms of the virus but are unable to get tested and are self-quarantining for 14 days. Our Lady of the Lake Infectious Disease Specialist Doctor Catherine O’ Neal says new research has some good news for those infected…
cut 16 (10) “….anymore”

Doctors and nurses are needed to treat those who are hospitalized with COVID-19, so that’s why the Department of Education is offering subsidized child care so they don’t have to stay home with young children…
cut 9 (09) “…cared for”
Assistant State Superintendent of Education Jessica Baghian says other essential workers can also apply for this assistance and for more information go to Louisiana-believes-dot-com.

Louisiana State Police want the public to know the interstates are not closed as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Brooke Thorington has the story…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Frustration has been mounting in the U-S Senate as lawmakers try to pass a two-trillion dollar economic rescue package. Republicans, like Senator John Kennedy, claim Democrats are trying to fund unrelated policies…
cut 30 (07) “…in America”
Democrats say the coronavirus relief bill is tilted to benefit corporations and doesn’t do enough to help workers who are now out of a job.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

One of the nation’s top high school quarterback prospects lists LSU among his top five final choices. Caleb Williams from Gonzaga High School in Washington D-C says he’s whittled his list of potential college destinations to LSU, Clemson, Oklahoma, Penn State, and Maryland. But 24-7 sports reports that Oklahoma is the likely destination for Williams.

Also, John Ehret Safety Kaine Williams has LSU listed in his top three. Williams is ranked as the fifth-best prospect in the state and is also considering Texas A-and-M and Alabama.

In NFL news, ESPN reports the Saints and cornerback Janoris Jenkins have agreed to a restructured contract in order to reduce his hit to the 2020 salary cap. The adjusted deal allows Jenkins to become a free agent after this season. And the Saints are bringing back defensive end Noah Spence who they signed in December, after playing in seven games with the Redskins.

6:30 LRN newscasts

There are a number of reports claiming a combination of existing medications can treat COVID-19, but one health care professional says it’s far too early to tell…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Louisiana has pushed back its tax filing deadline to July 15th. Federal taxes are also due that day.

And according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, 71-thousand people have applied for unemployment as of Saturday.

Today is the first full day of the governor’s stay at home order. But some businesses remain open and that includes chemical plants. Louisiana Chemical Association President Greg Bowser says access to facilities is limited, worker’s temperatures are checked on entry, shift sizes are smaller and lunch breaks are done differently….
cut 11 (10) “…spots”

Essential critical infrastructure workers are now eligible for child care assistance through the state department of education. A reason why child care facilities remain open is so health care workers on the frontlines of taking care of COVID-19 patients can go to work. Assistant State Superintendent of Education Jessia Baghian says this program allows eligible families to access subsidized care for children age 12 and under…
cut 8 (13) “….out to us”
An application for the child care assistance program can be found at Louisiana-Believes-dot-com.

AM Newscall 03.24.2020

Louisiana State Police want the public to know the interstates are not closed as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Brooke Thorington has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

_____________________________________

 Louisiana’s chemical plants are still in operation after being deemed essential, but life at the plants looks a lot different these days…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart ” 

___________________________________________

There’s a number of reports out claiming combinations of existing medications can treat COVID-19, but one professional says it’s far too early to tell…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________________________

State Police and other law enforcement agencies have been inundated with phone calls pertaining to rumors of road closures related to mitigating the spread of COVID-19.  Lt. Nick Manale says while there may be road closures, it’s not because of some of the far-fetched rumors found on social media.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…that information post..”

Manale insists that the public get information from trusted, reliable sources.

Cut 5 (10)  “…state right now.”

Manale says there is no shortage of information being put out on Twitter and Facebook by state officials related to COVID-19.

Cut 6 (10) “…social media presences.”

____________________________________________

The state Department of Education opens the Child Care Assistance Program to support essential critical personnel during the response to COVID-19. Assistant State Superintendent of Education Jessica Baghian says the help is available to individuals in various critical roles.

Cut 7 (08) “…across the state.”

The Governor’s emergency proclamation closes schools at least through April 12th.

Baghian says the local resource and referral center has access to a list of which licensed childcare facilities are open.

Cut 8 (13) “…out to us.”

Baghian says the program pays a subsidy and any difference between that amount and the price the care facility charges is the responsibility of the parent.

Cut 9 (09) “…cared for″

The program is available for kids 12 and younger.

______________________________________________

While much of the state’s workforce has been told to go home, Louisiana’s chemical plant employees are still on the job producing good needed to fight the virus.  

Louisiana Chemical Association President Greg Bowser says the Governor’s executive order included the chemical industry in a list of “essential” businesses 

Cut 10 (10) “operate.”

Life at the plants looks a lot different these days. Bowser says access to facilities is being limited, worker’s temperatures are being checked on entry, shift sizes are now smaller, and… 

Cut 11 (10) “…spots”

Despite having over 1,100 state cases, Bowser says so far they’ve only had two confirmed cases of COVID-19 infected workers, but both had limited contact with facilities during their infectious period.  

Bowser says they may still be in operation but the longer this pandemic goes on, the more the global economy will slow, which means it will take a financial toll on Louisiana plants.  

Cut 12 (04) “August”

____________________________

Medical professionals and the Governor took on some of the public’s biggest questions Monday night about what we now know about COVID-19 just over two weeks since the state’s first reported case.  

The President has touted the potential of existing medications for COVID treatment, but Our Lady of the Lake Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal says they need further testing, and… 

Cut 13 (12) “work”

Louisiana Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says the state’s rate of case increase is remarkably high, and even with the containment measures that may not change in the next few days.  

Cut 14 (08) “virus.”

The state’s significant uptick in cases likely portends an increase in hospitalizations. Governor Edwards says finding enough personal protective equipment for healthcare workers is important, but… 

Cut 15 (06) “…it.”

If you’re showing COVID-19 symptoms you will likely be ordered to self-quarantine for 14 days, but O’Neal says new research has some good news for those infected… 

Cut 16  (10)  “…anymore.” 

5:30 PM Newscast

Governor Edwards “Shelter in Place” order is now in effect, residents are expected to stay home as a mitigation technique of further virus spread. 34 people are dead from the state’s 1,172 confirmed COVID-19 cases. 41 of the state’s 64 parishes are reporting finding the illness. As of Sunday, about 28% of the state’s at-the-time 860 cases resulted in hospitalizations. According to a UL-Lafayette study, Louisiana has one of the fastest growth rates of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world. Dr. Gary Wagner, Acadiana Business Economist Endowed Chair at UL-Lafayette says he will continue to track to the statistics and share them with the Department of Health. At first, the cases were in the single digits but then they started to double daily.

Cut 5 (08)  “…ahead of it.”

The findings compared the state’s numbers for the first 13 days to other recorded numbers of other cities and nations first two weeks.

 

The National Federation of Independent Business says 76% of small businesses are now being negatively impacted by the spread of the coronavirus, up from 23% ten days ago. NFIB state director Dawn Starns says of those that are seeing disruption, the biggest factor to the increase is slowed sales.

Cut 6 (11) “…the last survey.”

The state has ordered that many businesses shut down in an effort to slow the spread.  Starns commends Governor Edwards handling of the pandemic, saying he’s been great at keep businesses in the loop.

LSU says they will only have a limited number of essential personnel on campus as part of the governor’s stay-at-home order. The campus is set to remain a ghost town through the end of the spring semester but Interim President Dr. Thomas Galligan says they’re willing to be flexible if the situation improves.

Cut 10 (13) “…online”

4:30 PM Newscast

34 people are dead of the state’s 1,172 confirmed COVID-19 cases. 41 of the state’s 64 parishes are reporting finding the illness.

A Louisiana professor has determined the Bayou State has the fastest growth rates of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world. Brooke Thorington more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

The state discovers another cluster of coronavirus cases at a Donaldsville retirement home. Five positive COVID-19 cases were discovered there.

The National Federation of Independent Business says 76% of small businesses are now being negatively impacted by the spread of the coronavirus, up from 23% ten days ago. NFIB state director Dawn Starns says about 68% of small business owners are very concerned about COVID-19 compared to just 16% on the last survey.

Cut 7 (10) “…saying they are.”

The state has ordered that many businesses shut down in an effort to slow the spread.  Starns commends Governor Edwards handling of the pandemic, saying he’s been great at keep businesses in the loop.

LSU says they will only have a limited number of essential personnel on campus as part of the governor’s stay-at-home order. Interim President Dr. Thomas Galligan says only a small number of students remain on campus…

Cut 9 (10) “…them″

4:45 LRN Sportscast

New Saints wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders says he’s happy to be in a pass-happy offense. Sanders has signed a two-year, 16-million dollar deal. The Texas native also said his family wanted him to sign with the Saints. The 33-year-old caught 66 passes for 869 yards and five touchdowns last year.

Safety Malcolm Jenkins is glad to be back with the Saints again. New Orleans selected Jenkins with the 14th overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft and helped the Saints win a Super Bowl in his rookie season. Jenkins spent his first five seasons in New Orleans and then went to Philadelphia and won a Super Bowl with the Eagles. After he was cut by Philly, he signed a four-year deal to return to the Saints and he’s glad to be back
cut 17 (20) “…again”

As the coronavirus continues to spread across the country, some might be worried about whether football can played in the fall. LSU interim president Thomas Galligan was asked about that possiblity on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster…
cut 11 (10) “…normal life”
The football program brought in 55 million dollars last year.

An IOC member has told the USA Today that the 2020 Summer Olympics will be postponed. The games are scheduled to start on July 24th, USA Today has learned they will not start on that date and the Summer Olympics will likely move to next year, with the details to be announced over the next month.

And another Saints signing to tell you about. The team has reportedly inked a deal with defensive end Noah Spence. He played in seven games with Washington last season and had three tackles. 7.5 sacks during his four-year NFL career.

3:30 LRN Newscast March 23

The state is up to 1,172 cases of the coronavirus and at least 34 deaths have been reported

According to a UL-Lafayette study, Louisiana has one of the fastest growth rates of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world. Dr. Gary Wagner, a Business Economist at UL-Lafayette, has a few theories on why Louisiana is seeing a large rate of cases compared to other areas.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…other states.”

Many are worried some of LSU’s most essential staff may not be taking the field come August if COVID-19 is still an issue by them. LSU Interim President Dr. Thomas Galligan says if football must be canceled, they will, but hopefully, it won’t…

Cut 11 (10) “…life.”

The National Federation of Independent Business indicates a sharp rise in the coronavirus pandemic’s negative impact on small businesses.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

The Governor will hold a statewide broadcast on radio and television to address Louisiana’s response to COVID-19. He will be joined by health experts and members of his administration and they will answer viewer questions that were submitted over the weekend. You can also stream the broadcast on gov dot Louisiana dot gov.

LRN PM Newscall March 23

A Louisiana professor has determined the Bayou State has the fastest growth rates of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world. Brooke Thorington more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

____________________________

The National Federation of Independent Business indicates a sharp rise in the coronavirus pandemic’s negative impact on small businesses.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________

According to a UL-Lafayette study, Louisiana has one of the fastest growth rates of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world. Dr. Gary Wagner, Acadiana Business Economist Endowed Chair at UL-Lafayette says he compared the state’s numbers for the first 13 days to other recorded numbers of other cities and nations first two weeks.

Cut 3 (12)  “…in the world.”  

Wagner, who does not specialize in healthcare, has a few theories on why Louisiana is seeing a large growth of cases compared to other areas.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…other states.”

Wagner says he will continue to track to the statistics and share them with the Department of Health. At first, the cases were in the single digits but then they started to double daily.

Cut 5 (08)  “…ahead of it.”

__________________________________________

The National Federation of Independent Business says 76% of small businesses are now being negatively impacted by the spread of the coronavirus, up from 23% ten days ago. NFIB state director Dawn Starns says of those that are seeing disruption, the biggest factor to the increase is slowed sales.

Cut 6 (11) “…the last survey.”

Nine percent of small businesses cite sick employees for being a disruption for operations.

The level of concern has spiked significantly.  Starns says about 68% of small business owners are very concerned about COVID-19 compared to just 16% on the last survey.

Cut 7 (10) “…saying they are.”

The state has ordered that many businesses shut down in an effort to slow the spread.  Starns commends Governor Edwards handling of the pandemic, saying he’s been great at keep businesses in the loop.

Cut 8 (10) “…we can do.”

____________________________________________________

LSU says they will only have a limited number of essential personnel on campus as part of the governor’s stay-at-home order. Interim President Dr. Thomas Galligan says only a small number of students remain on campus… 

Cut 9 (10) “…them″

Some food service staff serving carry out bags and other select staff will also be permitted on campus.  

The campus is set to remain a ghost town through the end of the spring semester but Galligan says they’re willing to be flexible if the situation improves.  

Cut 10 (13) “…online”

Many are worried some of LSU’s most essential staff may not be taking the field come August if COVID-19 is still an issue by them. Galligan says if football must be canceled, they will, but hopefully, it won’t… 

Cut 11 (10) “…life.”

The football program brought in 55 million dollars last year.  
_________________________________

East Baton Rouge Coroner Beau Clark is reporting the first two COVID-19 deaths in Baton Rouge. One of the victims was a 90-year-old Mississippi resident who died at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. Clark says the second victim was a 44-year-old female from Baton Rouge who had underlying health issues. He says she went to the hospital with complaints of shortness of breath and died on Sunday

Cut 12 (10) “…COVID-19”

Clark says asthma is an underlying health condition that could contribute to serious illness and possibly death from COVID-19. Most of the people who have died from the virus have had an underlying health condition. Clark says smokers are also at a higher risk

Cut 13 (12) “…respiratory illness”

___________________________________________________

The state is up to 1,172 Coronavirus cases, an increase from 335 the day before. There have been 34 deaths reported and 41 of the state’s 64 parishes are reporting COVID-19 cases.  Governor Edwards says if your parish is not reporting a case that doesn’t mean COVID-19 is not present

Cut 14 (15) “…the country.”

The governor’s stay at home order goes into effect today at 5 PM and it will last until April 12th. Edwards on why it’s so important that people not gather in groups of ten or more…

Cut 15 (10) “…contact with.”

2:30 LRN Newscast March 23

The state is up to 1,172 Coronavirus cases, an increase from 335 the day before. There have been 34 deaths reported and 41 of the state’s 64 parishes are reporting COVID-19 cases.  Governor Edwards stay at home order goes into effect at 5pm today and it will last until April 12th. Edwards on why it’s so important that people not gather in groups of ten or more…

Cut 15 (10) “…contact with.”

Louisiana has one of the fastest growth rates of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world. Dr. Gary Wagner, a Business Economist at UL-Lafayette says he compares the state’s numbers for the first 13 days to other recorded numbers of other cities and nations first two weeks.

Cut 3 (12)  “…in the world.”  

The National Federation of Independent Business says 76% of small businesses are now being negatively impacted by the spread of the coronavirus, up from 23% ten days ago. The state has ordered that many businesses shut down in an effort to slow the spread, NFIB State Director, Dawn Starns she says commends Governor Edwards handling of the pandemic because he’s kept businesses in the loop.

Cut 8 (10) “…we can do.”

LSU says they will only have a limited number of essential personnel on campus as part of the governor’s stay-at-home order. Interim President Dr. Thomas Galligan says campus is set to remain a ghost town through the end of the spring semester but they’re willing to be flexible if the situation improves.  

Cut 10 (13) “…online”