Oil producing nations agree to cut production by 9.7 million barrels in an effort to cool a worsening price war, but one expert warns it’s not nearly enough to save the state’s oil industry…
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”
_____________________________________
Governor Edwards says we will see a new wave of COVID-19 cases if people begin to take a flattening of the curve as an excuse to ignore social distancing orders…
Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle”
___________________________________________
The Governor indicates a proclamation is coming today to leave schools closed for the remainder of the school year. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”
____________________________________________
OPEC and Russia reach an agreement with the US to cut production of 9.7 million barrels of oil a day in an effort to stop the ongoing rapid oil price collapse.
But LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director David Dismukes warns it’s just not enough of a reduction to save oil prices, and too little too late given the scope of the problem.
Cut 4 (08)_ “…million”
Russia and OPEC ramped up production earlier this year in a move that American oil companies say was a targeted attack on their interests.
After the announcement was made the price of a barrel of oil barely budged from its holding pattern in the low 20s, and Dismukes says that is because this may be the last “big” agreement we get for a while…
Cut 5 (09) “…teens”
For every dollar below 55 dollars a barrel, the state budget stands to lose an estimated 11-12 million dollars.
Dismukes says the deal will likely not prevent a substantial reduction in investment in new oil projects in Louisiana or the loss of more oil sector jobs locally.
Cut 6 (11) “…effectively”
______________________________
Governor Edwards says the curve has now been flattening for at least a week, but it won’t stay that way if residents go out and ignore social distancing like they did over the Easter weekend.
Edwards says it appears as the rate of new infections slow, many people are taking that as an excuse to stop staying home. He says Unacast tracked resident’s movement patterns, and recently…
Cut 7 (11) “…moving.”
The Governor says he’s trying to set an example by wearing masks in public, and not doing his usual glad-handing with constituents, but that policy made his trip to the tornado-ravaged Monroe difficult.
Cut 8 (12) “…part.”
A storm system tore through north Louisiana Sunday, leaving many still without power and crippling the Monroe Regional Airport.
Edwards says you need to stay indoors at least until May 1st. As to whether, or how the state will open after that, he’s leaving it up to experts.
Cut 9 (11) “…as well″
____________________________________
Governor Edwards indicates he will issue a proclamation today, keeping school campuses closed for the remainder of the school year and having education continue from home. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says CABL is supportive of the school closures.
Cut 10 (11) “…kids as possible.”
Only 39 of the 69 school districts offer distance education. Erwin says BESE and the Department of Education need to use a broader approach to continue the education experience for districts that struggle with a lack of online capabilities or other obstacles.
Cut 11 (12) “…into the home.”
Erwin says if kids start out behind in the fall, which he believes many will, steps need to be taken to help them catch up or they may face life long consequences.
Cut 12 (10) “…in the fall.”
_________________________________________
The beef industry is feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as processing plants are slowing down. Chair of the Louisiana Beef Industry Council Amelia Kent says some of the slowdown is coming from sick workers while others are pausing operations to undergo deeper sanitation measures.
Cut 13 (08) “…lengths of time.”
Kent says the disruption is trickling back to the farm level as cattle are coming out of feed yards having no way to advance into harvesting.
Cut 14 (09) “…to do so.”
Much like toilet paper and disinfectant products, there has been a large consumer demand that has seen shoppers buying up all the meat at the store. Kent says the slowdown at the processor level will only intensify meat shortages.
Cut 15 (11)“…ordinarily would be.”