There’s talk of the legislative session resuming next week. The main priority would be passing a budget for the next fiscal year. House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue says they’ve been told to brace for at least a 500-million dollar budget shortfall for the fiscal year that begins July 1st, but federal dollars could help soften the blow…
cut 11 (12) “…weather”
Moody’s Analytics paints a much more bleak picture in Louisiana, estimating a budget shortfall of 34-percent.

Will shopping malls survive the economic shutdown? LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says enclosed malls are most at-risk for permanent closure…
cut 5 (10) “….restrictions are lifted’

Eating on a patio outside of a restaurant will be allowed under the new stay at home order that will go into effect Friday, but indoor dining will not be allowed until at least May 16th. Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says restaurants are facing several challenges, ranging from chain disruptions in the meat industry and staffing questions…
cut 9 (11) “…operate”
The Governor has suggested he could implement Phase One, allowing restaurants to open at 25% capacity, by mid-May.

Wounded Baton Rouge Police Corporal Derrick Maglone continues to make a remarkable recovery after getting shot in the head area twice by a homicide suspect on Sunday. Former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson is Maglone’s uncle and he says his nephew is feeding off the support he’s receiving…
cut 15 (11) “…allowing that”